Development and validation of the pro-environmental orientation scale

Pro-Environmental Orientation (PEO) is conceptualized as a stable dispositional tendency to prioritize ecological responsibility across decision-making contexts. This paper reports the development and validation of a multidimensional scale designed to assess individual differences in PEO. Across six empirical studies ( N = 1818), we examined the scale's factor structure, reliability, and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis (Study 1) identified a three-dimensional structure comprising Green Citizenship, Domestic Mindfulness, and Minimalism. Confirmatory factor analysis (Study 2) supported this structure and demonstrated that the three dimensions load onto a higher-order PEO factor, which indicates a coherent underlying disposition. Study 3 established convergent validity through positive associations with connectedness to nature and niceness. Study 4 demonstrated discriminant validity by differentiating PEO from broad Big Five personality traits, narcissism, and social desirability reporting. Study 5 provided evidence of predictive validity to show that PEO was associated with life satisfaction, psychological well-being, social connectedness, and communal orientation. Study 6 confirmed temporal stability and the robustness of the scale. Finally, measurement invariance analyses supported the applicability of the PEO scale across demographic groups. Collectively, these findings provide strong evidence that PEO is a trait-level psychological construct and offer a reliable tool for examining stable individual differences in pro-environmental orientation.