Understanding Hunting Intentions in Poland: The Role of Attitudes, Personality, and Psychological Needs

Abstract

According to the Theory of Planned Behavior and multiple previous studies, attitudes toward animal use and toward hunting, as well as commitment to consuming game meat, are important predictors of hunting intentions. Research is less consistent regarding psychological predictors of hunting, including aggressive traits. Using a sample of 367 participants (187 who declared no interest in hunting and 180 who either wished to hunt or currently hunted), we investigated whether hunting intentions are associated with background psychological factors related to human and animal aggression. Results showed that hunting intentions were associated with lower individualizing moral foundation, but higher instrumental aggression beliefs, psychopathy, and frustration of basic psychological needs. Hunting proclivity was also related to higher animal use and hunting approval, meat commitment, and a more anthropocentric orientation. These findings propose an integrated model of hunting intentions, indicating that while attitudes toward hunting are central, underlying individual differences related to seeking excitement, independence, immediate gratification, or lower sensitivity to social norms also play a vital role in predicting intent to hunt.