Free webinar: Beyond Education: Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Behavior Change

Hosted by the Shoreline & Coastal Planners Group.

This webinar will examine why education usually does not translate into behavior change and communication approaches that can improve the translation from information to behavior change. Drawing on findings from Bridging Policy and Public Perception: Effective Communication of Shoreline Armoring Trade-offs in Coastal Communities, this talk explores key psychological barriers—including risk aversion, mistrust, distal theory, and social values—that shape how residents interpret information and make shoreline management decisions. Speakers will discuss how these barriers limit the effectiveness of education-only approaches and why communication strategies must be audience-centered, place-based, emotionally informed, and delivered through trusted local messengers. They will use relevant programs and initiatives to highlight practical examples of how community-centered communication can better support informed and equitable coastal decision-making.

This virtual event is free and open to the public. Register here.