This study integrates social value orientation (Messick & McClintock, 1968) and the consideration of future consequences (CFC; Strathman, Gleicher, Boninger, & Edwards, 1994) within the extended norm activation model of proenvironmental behaviour (Stern, Dietz, & Kalof, 1993). A survey of college students (N = 161) revealed some preliminary support for the proposed model, using past and intended involvement in proenvironmental political behaviour as the primary outcome variables. Relative to proselfs, prosocials expressed stronger proenvironmental intentions and a stronger belief in the social consequences of environmental conditions. Relative to low CFCs, high CFCs expressed stronger proenvironmental intentions, greater involvement in proenvironmental behaviour, and a stronger belief in the personal, social and biospheric consequences of environmental conditions. Perceived consequences mediated the relationship between CFC and proenvironmental intentions and behaviour, and high CFCs evidence a stronger positive relationship between perceived social consequences and proenvironmental intentions.

The ethics of dealing with the provision of nutritional therapies has been complicated by technological advances that have affected all of medical science. As a result, nurses are increasingly confronted with decisions regarding the provision of invasive treatments. Indeed, enormous faith is invested in the ability and wisdom of healthcare professionals to alleviate suffering and accomplish cure through the application of invasive therapeutic interventions such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. Such decisions are often complex, present a moral dilemma, and are further complicated by prevailing politico-economic, social, and cultural influences. The insertion of tubes for artificial nutritional support in those patients who can be defined as "vulnerable" is no exception. This article explores both the clinical and ethical realities of PEG tube placement and use thereafter in vulnerable patients. The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice are discussed within the context of PEG placement and feeding and recommendations are given for nurses practicing in the area of gastroenterology.