This research provides insight into how socialisation and learning aids consumers to form their ecological self. Past research establishes that ecological self, expressed as environmental identity, positively drives responsible consumption, but there is a lack of understanding of how consumers form their ecological selves and environmental identities. The aim is to provide a broader motivational structure that drives the formation of nature identity and its influence on responsible consumption behaviour. The ethnographic data uncovers the cognitive thoughts, affections, symbolic inferences and nature experiences of participants guiding the formation of the ecological self, attachment to nature and ecological worldviews, which then drives responsible consumption behaviour. The conceptual framework outlines the overall motivation driving ecological self and identifies emotional, religious and spiritual attachments to guide the development of ecocentric, theocentric and transcentric ecological worldviews. This research mainly contributes to theory development and social marketing efforts.

• Vimala Kunchamboo(Monash University Malaysia)
• Christina K. C Lee(Monash University Malaysia)
• Jan Brace Govan(Monash University, Australia)