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Decoding Sustainable Development in Fashion: Abductive Insights From Meta‐Analysis

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  • Hye Seung Jeong
  • Yoo‐Kyoung Seock

Abstract

Sustainable fashion consumer behavior (SFCB) has garnered increasing scholarly attention due to the global awareness of the negative impact of unsustainable practices. Nonetheless, there exists limited consolidation of findings across studies. To fill this void, this study adopted a meta‐analytic approach to synthesize 68 primary SFCB studies (N = 32,542) from 2014 to 2024. Using an abductive approach, guided by Kollmuss and Agyeman pro‐environmental behavior model, this study identified the key variables and examined their relationships through bivariate, moderation, and meta‐analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) analyses. The results revealed key emerging factors, their relationships, and the significant moderators (i.e., age and culture). Theoretically, this study advances the concept of sustainability consciousness in fashion and validates a path model that best explains SFCB. Practically, it offers leverage points to promote SFCB, particularly through hierarchical mechanisms. The validated model can guide researchers in developing hypotheses and policymakers in creating approaches tailored to diverse age groups and cultures.

Suggested Citation

  • Hye Seung Jeong & Yoo‐Kyoung Seock, 2026. "Decoding Sustainable Development in Fashion: Abductive Insights From Meta‐Analysis," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(1), pages 951-967, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:1:p:951-967
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70299
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