Understanding Lay Individuals’ Mental Models of Sustainability

Meeting sustainability goals will be fostered by public acceptance and engagement with sustainable development. Yet, there is little baseline knowledge about how lay individuals conceptualize different aspects of sustainability. In the present chapter, we explore possibilities for lay individuals’ mental models of sustainability, using the three-pillar sustainability framework as a reference point. First, we consider how individuals could perceive pairs of pillars (e.g., social and environmental sustainability) to be either complementary or in tension with one another. Then, we use balance theory to explore implications of these perceived dyadic relations for mental models of how all three pillars interrelate. We conclude by discussing directions for additional research and communication outreach.