ABSTRACT

Purpose: The research explores the influence of environmental values on the pro-environmental behaviors of college students. Method: A valid sample of 461 Chinese college students was evaluated by adopting an environmental values scale, a new ecological paradigm scale, an environmental responsibility scale, and a pro-environmental behavior scale. Findings: The results revealed that environmental values have a significant positive impact on pro-environmental behaviors, while both the new ecological paradigm and environmental responsibility play a partial mediating role in the relationship between environmental values and pro-environmental behaviors and exercise a mediating chain effect on the relationship between environmental values and pro-environmental behaviors.

Implications for Research and Practice: The results offer valuable insights for studying the influence of college students’ environmental values on their pro-environmental behaviors and provide environmental education in colleges with specific practical suggestions to improve the pro-environmental behaviors of college students.