The authors examine whether self-efficacy relates to the environmentally responsible behavior of recycling and whether intrinsic motivation serves to mediate the relationship between self-efficacy and recycling. The authors measure those constructs, along with extrinsic motivation and the self- regulatory behaviors of satisfaction with and intentions toward recycling. Residents ( n = 1,501) of 55 localities in Cordoba Spain are interviewed at home. Results show that all variables are positively related to self-reported recycling, except that extrinsic motivation is negatively related to recycling. As the authors hypothesize, the relationship between self-efficacy and recycling diminishes when intrinsic motivation is added to the model, which suggests that intrinsic motivation accounts for some of the relationship between self-efficacy and recycling. With the use of structural equation modelling, all variables, except extrinsic motivation, provide a good model fit; explained variance in reported in-home recycling is also substantial (adjusted R² = .45). The meditational analysis provides insight regarding the dynamics of motivation; the model suggests that self-efficacy relates to recycling directly, by giving rise to intrinsic motivation, which in turn relates to recycling.

The current study examines the contribution of left–right (or liberal–conservative) ideology to voting, as well as the extent to which basic values account for ideological orientation. Analyses were conducted in 16 countries from five continents (Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania), most of which have been neglected by previous studies. Results showed that left–right (or liberal–conservative) ideology predicted voting in all countries except Ukraine. Basic values exerted a considerable effect in predicting ideology in most countries, especially in established democracies such as Australia, Finland, Italy, United Kingdom, and Germany. Pattern of relations with the whole set of 10 values revealed that the critical trade-off underlying ideology is between values concerned with tolerance and protection for the welfare of all people (universalism) versus values concerned with preserving the social order and status quo (security). A noteworthy exception was found in European postcommunist countries, where relations of values with ideology were small (Poland) or near to zero (Ukraine, Slovakia).

This research aims to understand the role of coping strategies and self-efficacy expectations as predictors of life satisfaction in a sample of parents of boys and girls diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. A total of 129 parents (64 men and 65 women) answered a questionnaire on life-satisfaction, coping strategies and self-efficacy scales. Using a regression model, results show that the age of the child is associated with a lower level of satisfaction in parents. The results show that self-efficacy is the variable that best explains the level of satisfaction in mothers, while the use of problem solving explains a higher level of satisfaction in fathers. Men and women show similar levels of life satisfaction; however significant differences were found in coping strategies where women demonstrated higher expressing emotions and social support strategies than men. The development of functional coping strategies and of a high level of self-efficacy represents a key tool for adapting to caring for children with autism. Our results indicated the necessity of early intervention with parents to promote coping strategies, self-efficacy and high level of life satisfaction.