Structural Equation Modeling for Analyzing Pro-Environmental Behavior in Switzerland

Using data from Round 11 of the European Social Survey, covering Switzerland, this article employs Structural Equation Modeling to investigate the associations between psychosocial factors and pro-environmental behavior. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, which integrates subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes to predict behavioral intentions and actual pro-environmental behaviors. The findings reveal that perceived social norms are strong predictors of pro-environmental behavioral intentions, illustrating the power of expectations from other people on the propensity to act sustainably. However, the effects of attitudes toward the environment and perceived behavioral control on behavioral intention were minimal or unobserved. It indicates that respondents may support environmental and sustainability issues, but this is often not matched by strong intentions to act. Additionally, the perceived control over pro-environmental behavior does not directly affect actual behavior. This suggests that external barriers may prevent individuals from performing sustainable behavior, even if they are motivated. The measurement invariance across gender groups was also examined in the study, which is essential to confirm the equivalence of measurements, and observed differences in latent variables could not be an artifact due to potential measurement bias. The findings suggest that subjective norms and pro-environmental behaviors are more likely to be higher among women, while men scored higher on perceived control. This indicates that women internalize social expectations stronger than men do to act, but for men, they feel able to act, but this confidence does not imply action. This research focuses on the significance of social influences in ecologically friendly action and on the discrepancies between intention and behavior. This study adds to our understanding of the determinants of pro-environmental behavior, providing relevant insights for policymakers to inform more effective interventions that close the gap between awareness and action.