Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.3935/rsp.v31i3.43
Helping the Planet for a More Sustainable Future: Spill-Overs among Young Adults’ Prosocial and Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behavior
Nikša Alfirević
; Faculty of Economics, Business, and Tourism, University of Split, Cvite Fiskovića 5, 21000 Split, Croatia
*
Katarina Babnik
orcid.org/0000-0003-4925-1110
; Filozofska fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani; Pedagoški inštitut, Ljubljana, Slovenija
Žan Lep
orcid.org/0000-0003-0130-4543
; Filozofska fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani; Pedagoški inštitut, Ljubljana, Slovenija
Marina Stanić
orcid.org/0000-0002-3835-6358
; Faculty of Economics in Osijek, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Melika Husić-Mehmedović
; School of Economics and Business University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study explores how prosocial engagement may enable young people to become committed to environmental protection. Using serial mediation analysis, we examine the data from 530 undergraduate business students in Southeast Europe to depict the psychological pathways connecting prosocial attitudes and behaviors with a propensity for environmental engagement. Statistical analysis is performed using the PROCESS macro Model 6. Although limited by similar socio-economic circumstances across the analyzed region and the cross-sectional research design, our findings suggest that the mediated indirect relationships help to develop attitudes and behaviors responsible toward the environment. Implications of the study include the broader possibilities for education and public policy-making: prosocial engagement could serve as a promising instrument to motivate young adults to accept the concept of sustainable development. In this way, synergies between prosocial engagement and environmental awareness might be used to develop a more sustainable, ecologically aware society.
Keywords
prosociality; environmental engagement; attitudes; behaviors; young adults
Hrčak ID:
329088
URI
Publication date:
2.3.2025.
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