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Comprehensive Study on the Determinants of Green Behaviour of Slovenian Consumers: The Role of Marketing Communication, Lifestyle, Psychological, and Social Determinants

Author

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  • Sabina Krsnik

    (Communication Department, University of Novo Mesto, Na Loko 2, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia)

  • Karmen Erjavec

    (Communication Department, University of Novo Mesto, Na Loko 2, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia)

Abstract

Despite the growing importance of green consumption, the green attitude–behaviour gap remains a key challenge, highlighting the discrepancy between consumers’ expressed environmental concerns and their actual sustainable-purchasing practices. This study identified key determinants of consumers’ sustainable behaviours and the influence of sustainable development goals-related marketing communication across socio-demographic groups. A quantitative causal research design was employed based on a self-administered online questionnaire targeting the Slovenian population (N = 502). The findings indicate a positive, though weak (ρ = 0.384), correlation between consumers’ attitudes and their behaviours. A substantial and significant positive influence of marketing communication, psychological, and social determinants on pro-environmental behaviour was found, while lifestyle inhibited this behaviour. An analysis of the marketing communication dimension showed that it had the greatest influence on men, consumers aged 35 years or more and those with lower education and income, especially through the information received, trust, and advertisement attractiveness. These results suggest the need for tailored marketing strategies that emphasise practical benefits and trustworthy information to effectively promote sustainable practices. This research underscores the importance of clear and credible marketing communications in fostering sustainable consumer behaviour, particularly in regions where scepticism towards marketing claims is widespread.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabina Krsnik & Karmen Erjavec, 2024. "Comprehensive Study on the Determinants of Green Behaviour of Slovenian Consumers: The Role of Marketing Communication, Lifestyle, Psychological, and Social Determinants," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-21, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7555-:d:1468595
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Tamara Kozic & Roman Wolf & Sasa Straus, 2025. "An Exploratory Analysis of Consumer Attitudes and Behavioural Intentions Toward Food Waste Reduction in Slovenian Food Services," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-25, April.
    2. Bianca Antonela Ungureanu & Andy Felix Jităreanu & George Ungureanu & Carmen Luiza Costuleanu & Gabriela Ignat & Ioan Prigoreanu & Elena Leonte, 2025. "Analysis of Food Purchasing Behavior and Sustainable Consumption in the North-East Region of Romania: A PLS-SEM Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-35, March.

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