The Impact of University Students’ Environmental Awareness on Pro-Environmental Behavior --Based on a Survey of University Students in Chongqing

Based on comprehensive social survey data from several universities in Chongqing, this study uses multiple linear regression analysis and structural equation modeling to explore the influence mechanism of environmental awareness on university students’ environmental protection behaviors. Environmental awareness is divided into four dimensions: environmental concern, environmental risk perception, environmental efficacy, and personal norms. The direct and indirect effects of these dimensions on private and public sphere pro-environmental behaviors are examined separately. The results indicate that environmental concern directly affects university students’ private and public sphere environmental protection behaviors. Environmental risk perception has a significant positive driving effect on private sphere environmental protection behaviors, while personal norms have a significant negative impact on private sphere environmental protection behaviors. Environmental efficacy and personal norms have significant negative effects on public sphere environmental protection behaviors.