Towards ecological self : Deep ecology meets constructionist self-theory

Abstract The concept of ‘ecological self’, as expounded and applied by members of a social movement called ‘deep ecology’, is carefully examined and compared with self-concepts constructed by academic psychologists. Constructionist theories and research are explored as an area of particular relevance because they (a) exemplify a more ecological, or systems, view of the person, (b) offer an understanding of how an expanded self-concept might affect the functioning of an individual and his or her surrounding environment, and (c) suggest how self-constructs might be changed. Self-construct change is discussed with reference to an empirical evaluation of ‘deep ecology’ experiential workshops called The Council of All Beings. This paper has a dual aim. First, the ‘indigenous psychology’ implicit in deep ecology may provide fertile ground for the development of more academic theories. Second, due to the collaborative nature of this research, deep ecologists may benefit from the kind of conceptualization and analysis provided by academic psychology. Both effects could further a central and shared aim of both environmental psychologists and deep ecologists: to encourage environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviour.