The present study contributes to the literature on the normative elements related to the use of ATD. Indeed, it shows that when a person makes his/her disability a part of him/herself, she/he is expected to hide it and therefore to avoid using ATD. However, this assessment proves to be context-dependent and calls for the implementation of handicap awareness programs. Implications for Rehabilitation If faced with a disability, expecting to feel disabled and expecting lower objective consequences are linked to lower ATD use. Expected ATD use in private seems to be related to ATD use in public but not to the expected consequences of the disability. Expectations and therefore social norms about having a disability are highly context-dependent which encourages the implementation of handicap awareness programs.

Much energy and money is dedicated to increasing climate change awareness and pro-environmental behaviors. Mere communication campaigns, which are often alarmist, are widely used despite their uncertain effectiveness. We suggest that using binding communication strategies would prove more adequate. Binding communication consists in combining a persuasive message and a preparatory act linked to the persuasive message. This procedure is generally reported to be more efficient than a single persuasive message at influencing attitudes and behavior. This hypothesis was tested in a study in which students were presented with a classic climate change communication with/without a preparatory act (participant-proposed solutions). Results showed that although knowledge about climate change increased in both conditions, attitudes and behavior follow-through were positively affected only in the binding communication condition. Therefore, in addressing climate change and global warming behaviors, pairing a persuasive message with personal solution generation is a potentially valid and useful technique.

International audienc

The main goal of this study was to demonstrate relevance of an integrated approach including psychosocial determinants of voluntary travel behavior change (VTBC). The study, conducted in France, aimed to influence car users to use public transport. Compared to previous VTBC programs, this one proposes a more qualitative accompanying framework to participants. Car users participated in the program based on a committing recruitment, an individualized counseling meeting, and a free monthly travel card on public transport, altogether creating a strong commitment context for long-term behavior change. Results reveal the effectiveness of the method since a majority of test travelers continue to use public transport up to three months. Moreover, the program increases the positive attitude toward the bus and “mobility capital” of participants.