Her current research is exames 1) different ways people psychologically connect to and value nature, 2) the complexity of thoughts about the interface between human actions and natural processes, and 3) emotions about and anticipated positive and negative consequences of ecological solutions (e.g., policies).

Jan 17, 2025 · I use correlational and experimental research to study how people make sense of and choose to respond to social and environmental problems in order to facilitate individual and collective participation in creating conditions where all may live more harmoniously with other people and the planet now and in the future.

Swim's research addresses perceptions and responses to current social and environmental issues. She examines the impact of information, motivation (e.g., values, beliefs, and emotions), and behavioral skills on interest in information about climate change and engagement in pro-environmental behavior.

Sexism and racism: Old-fashioned and modern prejudices. Psychology and global climate change: Addressing a multi-faceted phenomenon and set of challenges. A report by the American Psychological...

Janet K. Swim, Ph.D Dr. Swim strives to build on our better nature for nature to create a more livable planet for all life now and in the future. She uses experimental and survey research to examine the psychological underpinnings of people's willingness to engage in personal and collective pro-environmental actions and support policies that ...

Janet SWIM, Professor (Full) | Cited by 12,336 | of Pennsylvania State University, PA (Penn State) | Read 137 publications | Contact Janet SWIM

Geiger, N., Middlewood, B., & Swim, J.K. (2022; updated 2020, & 2021 versions). Psychological, social, and cultural barriers to communicating about climate change. In The Oxford Encyclopedia of Climate Science (updated 2020, & 2021 versions).

Dr. Janet Swim is a professor of Psychology at The Pennsylvania State University. She is currently serving as chair of the College of Liberal Arts Sustainability Council, placing her into the PSU Sustainability Leadership Consortium.

I teach about why people care (or not) about nature, how to encourage pro-environmental actions at an individual and collective level, and how to correct misinformation about climate change.