Date of Graduation

Spring 2014

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Carol Shoptaugh

Keywords

sustainability, self-efficacy, engagement in sustainable behavior, commitment to sustainability, climate change knowledge, green

Subject Categories

Psychology

Abstract

The current study investigated the influence of climate change knowledge, belief in science, and green-efficacy on Missouri State University students' commitment to environmental sustainability and reported engagement in sustainable behaviors. Self-efficacy is one's belief that he/she will succeed in specific situations, and has been shown to be a predictor of motivated behavior. Green-efficacy is one's belief that he/she can engage in sustainable behaviors and have an impact with their behavior. A scale was developed to assess individual green self-efficacy in order to better understand individual motivation to engage in sustainable behavior. A factor analysis of the green self-efficacy scale yielded two distinct attitudes about engagement in sustainable behaviors: weak green self-efficacy and strong green self-efficacy. Strong green self-efficacy attitudes correlated strongly with engagement in sustainable behaviors and commitment, while weak green self-efficacy attitudes correlated negatively. A hierarchical regression analysis indicated a mediating effect green self-efficacy and commitment to environmental sustainability has between the climate change knowledge and sustainable behavior relationship. Strong green self-efficacy and commitment explain unique variability in the engagement of sustainable behaviors.

Copyright

© Shelby D. Anderson

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