Abstract for: Integrating Behavior in Energy Technology Diffusion Models: A Feedback Perspective on the SSBC Model

The transition to decentralized renewable energy systems is shaped by complex socio-technical dynamics, where individual investment decisions play a crucial role. However, energy models largely underrepresent behavioral factors that shape the energy transition. This study develops a System Dynamics model based on a theory-based approach to analyze influencing factors of adopting renewable energy technologies. The model builds on the stage model of self-regulated behavior and provides a feedback perspective on the psychological theory. As such, the model effectively combines psychological and systemic perspectives, emphasizing the interplay between individual decision-making processes and external systemic influences in the transition to renewable energy adoption. The model integrates broad insights from different studies on the attitude-behavior gap and behavioral sciences and incorporates key feedback loops, such as peer effects, social norms, and infrastructure availability. By simulating different adoption pathways, we capture the attitude-behavior gap in investment decisions, showing how discrepancies between intention and action emerge across different decision stages. The theory-based approach based on the Stage model of Self-regulated Behavioral Change (SSBC) theory represents a promising approach for mapping the complex behavioral patterns in a system dynamic model. Nevertheless, it requires careful consideration of the representation of behavioral transitions and the factors influencing them. The System Dynamics model is designed in a generic approach, so that it can be adopted for different (energy) decisions, supporting the field of behavioral modeling.