Thijs Bouman awarded VIDI grant for research on cynicism and climate action

Social psychologist Thijs Bouman has received a VIDI grant for his project A Climate of Cynicism, in which he investigates why people, despite the urgency of ecological and societal challenges such as climate change, fail to take action.

While it is often assumed that people are inherently self-interested and unmotivated, Bouman examines whether this cynical view of others may itself be at the root of the problem. “The idea that people are unwilling to act is too pessimistic,” Bouman says. “People are often held back by their negative assumptions about others’ motives. If we can better understand where this cynicism comes from and how it shapes behaviour, we can strengthen climate action across different levels of society.”

The project combines a range of methods — from longitudinal surveys and experiments to advanced modelling techniques such as group-based and agent-based modelling. Through this, Bouman aims to gain insight into the processes that lead to cynical behaviour, how these unfold over time and within systems, and how they can be influenced.

With his research, Bouman seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the cynicism people feel about others’ motivations. His ultimate goal is to address the factors that prevent citizens, politicians and organisations from acting on what they themselves consider important — such as, for many, tackling climate change.