The theory of planned behaviour as a model for predicting public opposition to wind farm developments

Abstract

Population-based surveys indicate there is broad public support for wind energy, but proposed wind farms are often faced with significant opposition from local residents. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and other theoretically relevant variables in exploring intentions to oppose wind farm developments in Australia. An online survey asked respondents about their attitudes, intentions and past behaviour regarding wind farms, and their perceptions of wind farm proximity, visual perceptions and sense of place. A hierarchical regression analysis found that of the three TPB components (i.e. attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control) only social pressure from significant others (i.e. subjective norm) predicted oppositional intentions. Past behaviour was the best predictor of these intentions, and it also moderated (i.e. reduced) the association of attitudes to intentions. Attitudes to proximity, visual perceptions and sense of place did not significantly predict these intentions. The results suggest that behavioural intentions to oppose wind farm developments were most strongly associated with past oppositional behaviour and the potential of certain community members to influence local resident's views.