Extending the theory of planned behaviour to investigate the issue of microplastics in the marine environment.

The attention to microplastics and the consequences of its presence in the marine environment is increasing in scientific fields as well as on common media channels. In the absence of regulation in many countries, manufacturers are not required to exclude microplastic from their products, however consumers could force the production in a more sustainable direction with their choices. This study demonstrates the utility of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in understanding the publics' intention to avoid buying products which contain microplastics. All three TPB antecedents of intentions are important. The study, based on a sample of respondents in NSW (Australia), also reveals respondents' habitual behaviour of avoiding buying products containing microplastics strongly predicts their intended future behaviour. Last, modelling reveals direct and indirect means through which intentions to avoid buying microplastics can be increased, via increased environmental concerns and public knowledge and health concerns about microplastics.

Enablers and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake: An international study of perceptions and intentions.

The development of COVID-19 vaccines is occurring at unprecedented speeds, but require high coverage rates to be successful. This research examines individuals' psychological beliefs that may act as enablers and barriers to vaccination intentions. Using the health beliefs model as a guide to our conceptual framework, we explore factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and health beliefs regarding risks and severity of the disease, along with individual variables such as income, age, religion, altruism, and collectivism. A questionnaire using newly created measures for various antecedents provided 4303 usable responses from Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, and the United States. A factor analytic and structural equation model indicates that trust in vaccine approval, the perceived effectiveness of the vaccine for protecting others, and conspiracy beliefs are the most significant drivers of intentions to vaccinate. Older people, those seeking employment, and those who have received a recent influenza vaccine are more likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The findings have implications for improving communication strategies targeting individuals about the merits of vaccination, particularly focusing on younger individuals and expanded message framing to include altruistic considerations, and to improve government transparency regarding the effectiveness and side effects of vaccines.