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The Psychological Mechanisms of Education for Sustainable Development: Environmental Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Social Norms as Mediators of Pro-Environmental Behavior Among University Students

Author

Listed:
  • Jianyang Zhang

    (Faculty of Arts, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Aochen Cao

    (School of Economics, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 102206, China)

Abstract

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been widely promoted as a key strategy for fostering pro-environmental behavior, yet the psychological mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain inadequately understood. This study investigates how ESD participation influences pro-environmental behavior through the mediating roles of environmental attitudes, environmental self-efficacy, and social norm perceptions. Using structural equation modeling with data from 500 university students, we tested a comprehensive model integrating these psychological pathways. Environmental attitudes, mediating 56% of the effects, emerged as the strongest factor, followed by social norm perceptions (27%) and environmental self-efficacy (17%). These findings demonstrate full mediation through these psychological mechanisms, suggesting that ESD’s effectiveness depends on its ability to transform students’ environmental attitudes, strengthen their self-efficacy beliefs, and foster supportive social norms. These results contribute to both the theoretical understanding and practical implementation of ESD by highlighting the relative importance of different psychological pathways and suggesting targeted strategies for enhancing educational interventions. This study provides evidence-based insights for educators and policymakers seeking to design more effective sustainability education programs in higher education settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianyang Zhang & Aochen Cao, 2025. "The Psychological Mechanisms of Education for Sustainable Development: Environmental Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Social Norms as Mediators of Pro-Environmental Behavior Among University Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:933-:d:1574790
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Karine Nyborg, 2018. "Social Norms and the Environment," Annual Review of Resource Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 10(1), pages 405-423, October.
    6. Serena Lidia Colombo & Salvatore Gaetano Chiarella & Antonino Raffone & Luca Simione, 2023. "Understanding the Environmental Attitude-Behaviour Gap: The Moderating Role of Dispositional Mindfulness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-12, April.
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