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Differences in Water-Saving Behaviors Among College Students: Research Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

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  • Xiaosheng Wang

    (School of Mathematics and Physics, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China)

  • Zhaoxing Liu

    (School of Management Engineering and Business, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China)

  • Yanping Zhang

    (School of Mathematics and Physics, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China)

Abstract

The implementation of water-saving methods has become imperative in college water management to facilitate the promotion of the sustainable growth of water resources within educational institutions. This research aimed to identify differences in water-saving behaviors (WSBs) among college students due to different environmental education in their schools and to determine the corresponding driving factors. The specific steps were as follows: Firstly, specific factors based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and specific WSBs were selected for conducting a questionnaire. Then, 347 college students from HUE’s School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Power (S1) and School of Mathematics and Physics (S2) were surveyed. Finally, factor analysis and gray relational analysis were utilized to analyze the data. The results show that the college students from S1 scored better in regard to three WSBs than the students from S2. This can be attributed to the better environmental education offered by S1, which improved the students’ understanding of the importance of water saving. This paper highlights the differences in WSBs among college students and suggests ways for college administrators in departments concerned with course offerings, such as the Ministry of Education and the Office of Academic Affairs, to improve these behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaosheng Wang & Zhaoxing Liu & Yanping Zhang, 2024. "Differences in Water-Saving Behaviors Among College Students: Research Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10182-:d:1526209
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. van den Broek, Karlijn L. & Walker, Ian & Klöckner, Christian A., 2019. "Drivers of energy saving behaviour: The relative influence of intentional, normative, situational and habitual processes," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 811-819.
    2. Dash, Ganesh & Paul, Justin, 2021. "CB-SEM vs PLS-SEM methods for research in social sciences and technology forecasting," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
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