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

Author

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  • Anne-Sophie Denault

    (Department of Educational Fundamentals and Practices, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Maxim Bouchard

    (Department of Educational Fundamentals and Practices, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Jasmine Proulx

    (Department of Educational Fundamentals and Practices, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • François Poulin

    (Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada)

  • Véronique Dupéré

    (School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada)

  • Isabelle Archambault

    (School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada)

  • Marie Denise Lavoie

    (Library Consulting Services, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne-Sophie Denault & Maxim Bouchard & Jasmine Proulx & François Poulin & Véronique Dupéré & Isabelle Archambault & Marie Denise Lavoie, 2024. "Predictors of Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Adolescence: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-38, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5383-:d:1421575
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexander Neaman & Eiliana Montero & Pamela Pensini & Elliot Burnham & Mónica Castro & Dmitry S. Ermakov & Claudia Navarro-Villarroel, 2023. "Unleashing the Power of Connection: How Adolescents’ Prosocial Propensity Drives Ecological and Altruistic Behaviours," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Amir H. Pakpour & Cheng-Kuan Lin & Mahdi Safdari & Chung-Ying Lin & Shun-Hua Chen & Kyra Hamilton, 2021. "Using an Integrated Social Cognition Model to Explain Green Purchasing Behavior among Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Nicole V. DeVille & Linda Powers Tomasso & Olivia P. Stoddard & Grete E. Wilt & Teresa H. Horton & Kathleen L. Wolf & Eric Brymer & Peter H. Kahn & Peter James, 2021. "Time Spent in Nature Is Associated with Increased Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-18, July.
    4. Gary J. Pickering & Kaylee Schoen & Marta Botta, 2021. "Lifestyle decisions and climate mitigation: current action and behavioural intent of youth," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 26(6), pages 1-27, August.
    5. Maria Ojala, 2013. "Coping with Climate Change among Adolescents: Implications for Subjective Well-Being and Environmental Engagement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(5), pages 1-19, May.
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