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Exploring the Psychosocial Antecedents of Sustainable Behaviors through the Lens of the Positive Youth Development Approach: A Pioneer Study

Author

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  • Marco Giancola

    (Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Maria Chiara Pino

    (Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Simonetta D’Amico

    (Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

Abstract

The current study explored, in a sample of 219 young Italian adults (105 M; 114 F; mean age = 22.10 years; SD = 2.69; age range = 18–29), the contribution of the five psychosocial skills (Five Cs) identified by the Positive Youth Development approach (competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring) to sustainable behaviors, including pro-ecological, frugal, altruistic. and equitable actions. We performed four regression analyses, in which the Five Cs were the independent variables and pro-ecological, frugal, altruistic, and equitable behaviors were the dependent ones. Results reveal that character predicted pro-ecological and frugal behaviors, whereas competence was a significant antecedent of altruism. In addition, we found that caring predicted pro-ecological and altruistic actions while connection was a positive predictor of equity. These findings suggest that psychosocial resources could be crucial for sustainability, opening new possibilities for research and intervention in order to promote sustainable practices that could guarantee the well-being of the present and forthcoming generations. Limits and future research directions are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Giancola & Maria Chiara Pino & Simonetta D’Amico, 2021. "Exploring the Psychosocial Antecedents of Sustainable Behaviors through the Lens of the Positive Youth Development Approach: A Pioneer Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:22:p:12388-:d:675695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ricardo Ernesto Pérez Ibarra & César Octavio Tapia-Fonllem & Blanca Silvia Fraijo-Sing & Natalia Nieblas Soto & Lucia Poggio, 2020. "Psychosocial Predispositions Towards Sustainability and Their Relationship with Environmental Identity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Alexander Neaman & Siegmar Otto & Eli Vinokur, 2018. "Toward an Integrated Approach to Environmental and Prosocial Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-11, February.
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    1. Paulina Bełch & Marzena Hajduk-Stelmachowicz & Katarzyna Chudy-Laskowska & Iveta Vozňáková & Beáta Gavurová, 2024. "Factors Determining the Choice of Pro-Ecological Products among Generation Z," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-20, February.

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