Marine Environmental Concern and Pro-environmental Behavior among Chinese University Students: The Sequential Mediating Role of Marine Environmental Responsibility and Nature Relatedness

This study examines the impact of marine environmental concern, marine environmental responsibility, and nature relatedness among Chinese university students influence pro-environmental behaviors. Objective: The objective is to investigate how these elements individually and collectively influence behaviors that benefit the environment. Methodology: A survey was conducted across three universities located in different provinces in mainland China, collecting 634 valid responses. This analysis focuses on the roles of marine environmental responsibility and nature relatedness as sequential mediators between marine environmental concern and pro-environmental behavior. Results: The results indicate a direct positive effect of marine environmental concern on marine environmental responsibility, which subsequently enhances pro-environmental behavior by improving nature relatedness. Additionally, the study confirms the complex psychological pathways from marine environmental concern to pro-environmental behavior through the mediating roles of marine environmental responsibility and nature relatedness. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of enhancing individuals’ environmental responsibility and connection with nature to foster pro-environmental behaviors. They provide a scientific basis for formulating effective marine protection policies and environmental education strategies, advocating for increased public awareness and responsibility to promote active environmental participation. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of these strategies in different cultural contexts to further enhance environmental engagement.