Abstract
Abstract
In this article, we look to better understand what it takes to live sustainably as a family. Building on a previous study into the process of adopting eco-sustainable actions in families, the present study goes a step further by examining the case of a family already living a sustainable lifestyle. In this instrumental single case study, qualitative in nature, we first conduct a thematic analysis of interviews with family members to appreciate the experience of sustainable living as communicated by participants of the case family. A secondary competence analysis is then undertaken to find out if certain competences demonstrated during the process of change (context of our previous research project) are still part of prolonged habitual sustainable family living (context of the present research project). A holistic examination of all findings suggests that competences such as collaboration, perseverance, self-efficacy, problem-solving, decision-making, self-regulation, and organizational skills not only play a role during the processes involved in adopting new eco-sustainable actions, but also are prevalent in families already living sustainably. Moreover, members of the single case family echoed previous findings regarding the importance of family values and harmonious family dynamics in maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. Finally, through grounded theory, the present article proposes a series of concluding hypotheses on a conceptual model of eco-sustainable change in the context of family, focusing on the interplay between three emergent constructs: collective competences, shared biospheric values, and collaborative family dynamics.
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