Predicting Pro-Environmental Behavior: The Leading Influence of Environmental Attitudes

This study explored the psychological determinants of pro-environmental behaviors through a multidimensional approach, integrating the roles of self-efficacy, personality traits and environmental attitudes (verbal, actual and affective commitment). While previous research has primarily examined general ecological engagement, this study differentiated between three specific domains: general ecological behaviors, prosocial and volunteering actions in the ecological context, and household chemical usage. A sample of 669 participants completed measures assessing the Big Five personality traits, self-efficacy and environmental commitment dimensions. Regression analyses revealed that environmental attitudes were the strongest predictors of general ecological behavior, while actual commitment, self-efficacy and extraversion played key roles in prosocial engagement and volunteering in the ecological context. Neuroticism and extraversion emerged as the strongest predictors of household chemical usage. The study suggests that the influence of personality traits on pro-environmental behavior may be context-dependent, with certain traits playing a more significant role when the behavior involves direct social engagement. Additionally, our findings emphasize the importance of fostering environmental commitment as a key driver of sustained ecological behavior, rather than relying solely on personality-driven tendencies or self-efficacy.