Predictors Of Pro-environmental Behavior Research Articles

Predictors of Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Adolescence: A Scoping Review

Today’s adolescents will inevitably face the negative effects of climate change and will need to engage in pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) as part of the solutions. The primary objective of this scoping review was to identify the individual, peer and family, and school and community predictors of PEB in adolescence. The secondary objectives were to highlight the main types of PEBs, the main conceptual frameworks examined in adolescence, and the main research gaps mentioned in prior studies. A bibliographic search on multiple databases was conducted. Among the 2578 records identified, 209 were retrieved and assessed for eligibility, and 62 met the inclusion criteria (i.e., peer-reviewed primary research articles published in English in the last ten years with adolescent data). Results reveal a heterogeneous set of correlates with an imbalance favoring individual correlates. The most frequent PEBs in the reviewed studies were linked to energy and water conservation. The most frequent theoretical frameworks were the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Value–Belief–Norm Theory, while the most frequently highlighted research gap was the use of cross-sectional designs. These results can inform the targets of interventions aimed at increasing PEBs, which are fundamental aspects of the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development.

Pro-Environment Behaviors, Efficacy Beliefs, Perceived Individual and Social Norms: A Questionnaire Survey in a Sample of Young Adults From Pakistan

The aim of this work was to examine the relationships between climate change experiences and perceived individual and social norms related to climate change, individual and collective efficacy, and implementation of pro-environmental behaviors among a group of young adults from Pakistan. We examined these variables among 373 young adults in Pakistan and differentiated them into those who reported direct experience with climate change and those who did not. Findings show that 179 participants felt they had directly experienced a climate change event. Results also show that they were more likely to follow individual and social norms, perceive higher levels of individual and collective efficacy, and were more likely to adopt pro-environmental behaviors. Among participants who reported having had a direct experience, perceived social norms and individual self-efficacy emerged as predictors of pro-environmental behaviors, whereas among participants who reported not having had a direct experience, only perceived social norms were significant predictors. These results underscore the importance of sharing information about good environmental practices.

Environmental Identity, Connectedness with Nature, and Well-Being as Predictors of Pro-Environmental Behavior, and Their Comparison between Inhabitants of Rural and Urban Areas

The study of factors that predict pro-environmental behavior is interesting, given the need to develop sustainable actions in urban and rural contexts. The available scientific evidence shows knowledge gaps and opportunities about the role that environmental identity, connectedness with nature, and well-being play in pro-environmental behavior. To provide evidence in this regard, this research aimed to describe and identify possible significant differences between these variables to establish whether they predict pro-environmental behavior, considering the rural-urban provenance. The methodology was cross-sectional, with descriptive and correlational analysis. The sample was 1705 people (M age = 31.36 years, 57.4% female) belonging to two departments in southern Colombia (66.7% from the rural sector), and questionnaires were applied to collect the information. The results show that people of rural origin showed higher levels of environmental identity with significant differences (p-value > 0.01) compared to the urban sample. The indicators of psychological health, connectedness with nature, and identity better explain the levels of pro-environmental behavior of the urban population (R = 0.81, p-value < 0.01) compared to the rural population (R = 0.64, p-value < 0.01). This study concludes that the variables predict pro-environmental behavior, providing better explanatory evidence in urban than rural inhabitants. The limitations and new study prospects in the area are discussed.

Organized activities in adolescence and pro-environmental behaviors in adulthood: The mediating role of pro-environmental attitudes.

Organized activities practiced in adolescence are known to foster positive development, including active citizenship. Active citizenship encompasses a wide range of behaviors, one of them being pro-environmental behaviors. Few studies focused on the developmental factors that may predict these behaviors in adults, despite their crucial role in counteracting the current climate crisis. However, prior research showed that attitudes were typically major predictors of behaviors. This study thus tested a model that posited participation in organized activities in adolescence as a predictor of pro-environmental attitudes in emerging adulthood and these attitudes as a predictor of pro-environmental behaviors in adulthood. Three hundred twenty-one participants (61% girls) from Quebec (Canada) completed all time points across a 17-year period. Participants self-reported their participation in organized activities (sports, cultural, prosocial) from ages 14 to 17, pro-environmental attitudes, from ages 18 to 22, and pro-environmental behaviors, at age 30. Results revealed that pro-environmental attitudes mediate the relationship between adolescent participation in cultural activities and pro-environmental behaviors in adulthood. Practicing sporting or prosocial activities in adolescence did not predict stronger pro-environmental attitudes or behaviors. Interestingly, pro-environmental attitudes consistently predicted pro-environmental behaviors later in life. These findings and prior research suggest that participation in cultural activities may provide a space to discuss, imagine change, and cultivate sensitivity towards nature. This may contribute to the development of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors later in life.

Determinants of workers' pro-environmental behaviour towards enhancing construction waste management: Contributing to China's circular economy

Construction waste presents many challenges for sustainable development and ultimately for China's goal of a circular economy. Effective construction waste management (CWM) is necessary to tackle these challenges, the success of which depends in large part on the behaviour of workers. Most previous behavioural research relating to CWM focused on reduction or recycling behaviour, with few studies having examined pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) within organisations. This study therefore conducted research into the key determinants of two types of PEB relating to CWM. A questionnaire survey was conducted on five construction sites in China to identify the critical organisational and personal determinants predicting PEB relating to CWM, including self-enacted PEB and co-worker PEB. One hundred and fifty-two valid questionnaires were collected for data analysis, representing an overall response rate of 30.4%. Results of the analysis reveal that physical stress, environmental awareness, and tedious construction processes are significant predictors of PEB. Based on these results, practical suggestions for enhancing CWM are proposed. The findings of this research could help improve PEB among construction workers and thereby contribute to China's circular economy.

Relationships Among Environmental Attitudes, Environmental Efficacy, and Pro-Environmental Behaviors Across and Within 11 Countries

Pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) are crucial to reducing environmental degradations, and much research has focused on two key psychological antecedents: pro-environmental attitudes and efficacy beliefs. Yet, the evidence of their direct and interactive relationships are mixed. Further, few studies investigate how these key relationships vary across different countries and contexts. Using data from a large international survey ( N = 11,000) in 11 countries, we examine relationships among environmental attitudes, efficacy, and PEBs. Overall environmental attitudes are a strong predictor of PEBs, while efficacy has a small direct and a non-significant moderation effect. Within countries, both direct and moderation relationships involving efficacy are tiny. The relative dominance of environmental attitudes as a predictor raises questions about the unique importance of efficacy in explaining PEBs separate from attitudes (and covariates). The nuanced connections between these variables within individual countries highlight the importance of more diverse global environmental research.

Influencing Hotel Patrons to Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

The health of Hawaiian coral reefs is threatened by sunscreen ingredients (e.g., oxybenzone). This study sought to determine factors leading to the pro-environmental behavior of using reef-safe sunscreen (RSS) and identify practices hoteliers could implement to influence patrons to engage in this behavior. The study applied a framework to model pro-environmental behavior in the hospitality industry. It proposed that attitudes, personal capabilities, and habits are causal variables that influence pro-environmental intention, the predictor of pro-environmental behavior. Contextual factors were proposed as moderating variables for the relationship between pro-environmental intention and pro-environmental behavior. Past Hawaiian hotel patrons (n = 400) were the subjects for this survey. Intention to use RSS and the factors that influenced intention were investigated. Responses were analyzed using multiple linear regression and ANOVA. Results suggested that hotel patrons’ intention to use RSS was primarily influenced by three determinants: attitudes, personal capabilities, and contextual factors. Targeting the development of personal capabilities and employing contextual factors that facilitate the behavior were shown as effective methods to influence RSS use. Findings supported educational campaigns and complimentary RSS programs as practices that Hawaii hotel operators could use to influence patrons’ intention to use RSS.

Internalizing Social Norms to Promote Pro-environmental Behavior: Chinese Tourists on Social Media

ABSTRACT Nowadays, Chinese tourists frequently use social media to acquire information, purchase tourism products, and share their travel-related ideas. User-generated content on social media may have a profound impact on Chinese tourists’ values, normative thoughts, and behavior. Although previous studies suggest that social normative messaging could facilitate cognitive and social learning by exerting social pressure concerning pro-environmental behavior, few studies have explored how to achieve this. This study explores how to use social media content to internalize pro-environmental social norms through a mixed-methods research, including a survey with 523 Chinese tourists and 30 in-depth interviews. The findings show that social norms have a positive relationship with both introjected norms and integrated norms. Both introjected norms and integrated norms are significant predictors of pro-environmental behavior. Social media can trigger cognitive and emotional reactions, which help internalize social normative information into moral obligation. In addition, social media is effective in internalizing social norms into personal norms only when the behavior is easy to achieve and does not require much financial cost. The research results contribute to social media marketing and sustainable tourism practices. The findings are also critical for understanding Chinese tourists, a significant emerging tourism market.

Assessing behavioral intentions of solar energy usage through value-belief-norm theory

PurposeThis study aims to investigate people pro-environmental behavior toward solar energy in Pakistan. Solar energy is perceived as environment friendly because it does not need any fossil fuel and is free of greenhouse gas emission. Hence current research used to employ value-belief-norm theory with regard to solar energy to recognize people's interest for solar energy. Further this study also makes an effort for extend of value-belief-norm framework via using social norm as being a predictor of pro-environmental behavior and personal norm.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows positivism philosophy based on quantitative in nature. Proposed hypothesis was tested through deductive research approach. Data was collected through survey method. Further general public was selected as population and non-probability convenience sampling technique was used for data collection. A total 1,000 online questionnaire were sent through different mediums on Internet, out of which 624 responses were received. Further this study used Smart-Pls 3 software for the analysis of data.FindingsThe results show that all hypothesis were approved except one. Furthermore, social norm was discovered as a positive indicator of personal norm, and pro-environmental behavior. Also, personal norm was found as mediating the relation between social norm and people's pro-environment behavior toward solar energy.Practical implicationsThis research also adds to the existing research in field of environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it would prove to be a rational document for policymakers and the government to develop strategies to overcome environment and energy related issues.Originality/valueThis study identifies the people's pro-environmental behavior toward solar energy by applying value-belief-norm theory in context of Pakistan, to overcome energy related environmental issues.

On the predictors of pro-environmental behaviors: integrating personal values and the 2-MEV among secondary school students in Tanzania

The role of personal values in understanding pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors has received considerable attention from psychological researchers. However, little is known about the mutual interaction of personal values and the Theory of Ecological Attitudes (2-MEV) in explaining pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs). To explore the mediating factors with which pro-environmental behaviors are explained via environmental attitudes and personal values, this article reports the study findings from secondary school students. Specifically, the article indicates the extent to which a unified model of personal values and the Theory of Ecological Attitudes (2-MEV) explain self-reported PEBs. The cross-cultural validity of the 2-MEV for measuring environmental attitudes (EA) among the selected respondents is as well investigated. A cross-sectional survey of 408 secondary school students was used for data collection. As expected, principal component analysis with a varimax rotation confirmed the two-factor structure of the 2-MEV measuring EA with two uncorrelated factors of Preservation and Utilization. Interestingly, multiple regression analyses indicated that a combined model of personal values and the 2-MEV provides a more explained variance of self-reported PEBs compared to when any of the two predicators is used independently. Overall, altruistic value provides the largest predictive power over egoistic and biospheric values in mediating EA. In turn, the general model that includes personal values and the 2-MEV indicates that Preservation makes the largest and unique contribution in explaining recycling, biodiversity protection, environmental activism, and general PEBs. Conversely, the Utilization factor provides the largest negative explained variance for management of environmental pollution behavior. These findings remain unaltered even when the age of respondents and social desirability responding are statistically controlled. The implications regarding these study findings are discussed.

Mindfulness, connectedness to nature, personal ecological norm and pro-environmental behavior: A daily diary study

The concept of mindfulness has been discussed as being a promising pathway to strenghten pro-environmental behavior, that is at the same time related to personal well-being. Several studies identified correlations between trait mindfulness and pro-environmental behavior (PEB) and identified different mediators. To obtain better, fine-grained insights into this connection, the present study investigated mindfulness as a predictor of same-day connectedness to nature, personal ecological norm activation (PENA), PEB and well-being on a within-person level. In a daily diary study (N = 183, days = 1197), multilevel regression analysis showed: (i) positive same-day within-person relationships between mindfulness and PENA, connectedness to nature and well-being; (ii) a significant effect of mindfulness on next-day PEB; (iii) relationships between regular mind-body practices, such as mindfulness meditation, and daily PEB. Path analysis showed, (iv) a path from mindfulness to PEB mediated by connectedness to nature and PENA. The study confirms the significance of mindfulness in every-day life for connectedness to nature, PENA and well-being. Furthermore, the study points out the relevance of investigating predictors of PEB on a within-person level

Predictors of pro-environmental behavior: Moderating role of knowledge sharing and mediatory role of perceived environmental responsibility

The climate crisis is accelerating at an unprecedented rate which can be overcome by depicting pro-environmental behaviors in personal, household, and industrial consumption areas. Grounded on the social ideal theory, the current study aims to examine the direct as well as the indirect impact of Environmental Knowledge (EK) and Environmental Concern (EC) on citizens’ Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB) while studying Perceived Environmental Responsibility (PER) as a mediator. Moreover, the moderating role of Knowledge Sharing (KS) has also been investigated between EK and PEB. Surveying 581 citizens of twin cities, i.e. Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, at two different times. Results depicted that citizens’ EK and EC positively and significantly impact their PEB directly as well as through an underlying mechanism of PER. Moreover, the interactive effect of KS with EK has been found to enhance citizens’ PEB. Overall, this research brings multiple theoretical and policy implications with future research directions.

To Be Authentic, to Be Eco: Exploring the Link Between Authenticity and Pro-environmental Behavior.

Authentic self is believed to be morally good. The current research proposes that the authentic self is also environmentally good. Across two studies, we tested the link between authenticity and pro-environmental attitude and behavior. In Study 1 (N=2,646), dispositional authenticity was found to be a predictor of pro-environmental behavior (PEB). In Study 2 (N=474), participants in the authentic condition (recalling their experiences of being authentic) were more willing to donate money to protect the environment than those in the inauthentic (recalling their experiences of being inauthentic) or the neutral (recalling their experiences of a typical day) conditions. Participants in the authentic condition also reported higher intention to conduct PEB than their peers in the other conditions. The results of the present research provide initial evidence that people are more likely to endorse pro-environmental attitude and behave pro-environmentally when being authentic.

An extended behavior model for explaining the willingness to pay to reduce the air pollution in road transportation

Road transportation constitutes a key sector in developed countries, as an essential catalyst for economic and social activities. Nevertheless, it is relevant to emphasize the negative impacts of this activity identified in Economics as negative externalities. At the European Union, road transportation is the main cause of the air pollution impact on the population. Thus, this study explores the factors that influence the willingness to pay (WTP) on behalf of the citizens to reduce air pollution generated by road transport. In doing so, we propose two fundamental theoretical frameworks to explain individual behavior towards the environment actions: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) models. A questionnaire survey with 1,612 residents was used to collect data in 65 localities located in the Spanish Pyrenees and performing a statistical analysis with the resulting data relied on application of Structural Equation Models (SEM). Moreover, the survey results highlight the importance of psychological aspects as predictors of pro-environmental behaviors. Our empirical results provide a novel contribution about how governments and educational policies can enhance the positive attitude towards environmental actions, unifying the struggle in favor of environmental protection from early childhood.

Determinants of pro-environmental behaviour in the context of emerging economies

This research presents the factors that influence pro-environmental behaviour in the context of emerging economies. In order to test the conceptual framework, the study examines the impact of environmental knowledge on environmental attitudes. In addition, the impact of people's environmental attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control on behavioural intention, which in turn may impact on pro-environmental behaviour, are assessed. Using a Jordanian sample, it is shown that the theory of planned behaviour is applicable in understanding the predictors of pro-environmental behaviour. The findings of this study show that environmental knowledge has a positive impact on environmental attitude. Moreover, environmental attitude, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norms have direct and positive effects on behavioural intention. The results also show that behavioural intention and perceived behavioural control have positive and direct effects on pro-environmental behaviour, which leads to a number of interesting implications for practice, research, and policymakers.

Thinking globally and acting locally?: Geographical dimension of environmental concern as predictors of pro-environmental behaviors

Thinking globally and acting locally?: Geographical dimension of environmental concern as predictors of pro-environmental behaviors

Environmental CSR and pro-environmental behaviors to reduce environmental dilapidation

PurposeIt is evident that organizations are continuously contributing toward environmental dilapidation. This may be reduced by focusing their employees’ involvement in pro-environmental behaviors. Pro-environmental behaviors have ramifications for organizations, employees, leaders and natural environment. Therefore, this study aims at investigating environmental related social responsibility and identification as the predictors of pro-environmental behaviors through the moderating role of empathy in the hospitality sector.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data from 201 pairs (i.e. supervisors and their subordinates) working in the hospitality sector.FindingsThe study found that employees with high empathy exhibit more pro-environmental behavior and organizational identification when perceiving their organization’s involvement in environment-related social responsibilities.Research limitations/implicationsThe data for this study were collected at one point of time and it has implications for organizations and employees.Originality/valueThis study aims to fill the gap of the underlying mechanism that how perceived CSR affect employee pro-environmental behavior.

Predictors of Pro-Environmental Behavior: A Comparison of University Students in the United States and China

Understanding and managing University student’s environmental and sustainable behavior is critical to reducing global environmental problems and influencing pro-environmental behaviors. Survey data obtained from University students in different cities in the United States (n = 75) and Chinese Students in Jiangsu Province, China (n = 109) were investigated and analyzed to identify major predictors of pro-environmental behaviors using the Comprehensive Action Determination Model. The results confirmed multiple factors such as Social norms, Intention to Act, Information Need and Situational factors significantly influence and shape the nature of pro-environmental behavior in the US and sets of Social norms, Intention to act, Environmental awareness, Information need and Situational factor in China. These findings are in consonance with the tenets of theory of planned behavior, norm activation theory; though the loading and effects differ in their local environment. University students in US showed higher level of pro-environmental behavior despite their individualistic society compared to Chinese students in China. The findings confirms the complexity of human behavior through the robustness of the comprehensive action determination model by showing that using unitary construct to predict environmental behavior is context specific and using different combinations of predictor variables exert significant influences in different local environments.

Understanding the role of socio-demographic and geographical location on pro-environmental behavior in Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis study seeks to determine whether socio-demographic and geographical variables matter in understanding pro-environmental behavior in Nigeria. The Wave 6 World Value Survey data on Nigeria were analyzed with t-test, analysis of variance and stepwise regression. Results indicated that significant differences and relationships exist in pro-environmental behavior across socio-demographic and geographical variables of respondents. Social class, membership of environmental organization, region and income were found to be predictors of pro-environmental behavior. The study concluded that these variables are important in understanding people's pro-environmental behavior and must be considered in the design of any interventions geared to improve pro-environmental behavior amongst Nigerians.

Personal Values, Green Self-identity and Electric Car Adoption

Personal values, green self-identity and ethical motives have been widely studied as important, but mostly separate, predictors of pro-environmental behaviors. Scholars call for more research on the combined effects of these variables, to explain pro-environmental behavior. In this regard, this study presents a model of electric car adoption intention, in which personal values determine green self-identity, which in turn influences consumer intention to adopt electric cars directly and also indirectly via ethical motives of ecological care and moral obligation. Second, this work explores how personal values moderate the relationships between green self-identity, ecological care, moral obligation and electric car adoption intention.Data were collected through a survey in a sample of 2005 car drivers residing in Belgium, Denmark and Italy. Results confirm that four value domains (i.e., self-transcendence, self-enhancement, openness-to-change and conservation) influence green self-identity, which in turn determines consumer intention to adopt electric cars both directly and indirectly via ecological care and moral obligation motivations. Furthermore, consumers who find self-transcendent and openness-to-change values important tend to express their green self-identity directly into intentions and through moral obligation evaluations. Conversely, individuals who find self-enhancement values important express their green self-identity directly into intentions, while they take the ecological and moral considerations to behave green less into account. Finally, consumers who find conservation values important translate their green self-identity less into intentions to adopt electric cars, and tend to consider less the ecological and moral aspects of consumption choices.