Effects of vicarious experiences of nature, environmental beliefs, and attitudes on adolescents’ environmental behavior

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between vicarious experiences of nature, environmental behavioral beliefs, environmental attitudes and adolescents’ environmental behavior. Based on a sample of 1476 adolescents from five high schools in Jiangsu Province, China, we proposed a model that was supported by structural equation modelling analysis. The model suggests that vicarious experiences of nature are positively associated with adolescents’ environmental behavior. Environmental attitudes and environmental behavioral beliefs play partial mediator roles in the relationship of vicarious experiences of nature and environmental behavior. In addition to the significant direct impact of vicarious experiences of nature on environmental behavior, indirect effects are also achieved through behavioral beliefs, environmental attitudes and the serial multiple mediation effect of the two variables. These research results imply that we must pay attention to the important role of vicarious experiences of nature in cultivating adolescents’ environmental behavior. In addition, the theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed, as well as the limitations and potential for future research.