Investigating the Effect of Environmental Awareness on Environmental Behavior with Emphasis on the Mediating Role of Environmental Concern and Connectedness to Nature

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Educational Management, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran

10.30473/ee.2025.58507.2356

Abstract

Environmental Environmental behavior can be influenced by individuals’ level of awareness and knowledge about the environment, which may lead to a more harmonious relationship with their living surroundings. The aim of the present study was to develop a causal model of environmental behavior based on environmental awareness, with the mediating role of environmental concerns and connectedness to nature among students in Kurdistan Province. The statistical population of this study included all middle and high school students in Kurdistan Province in 2019. A total of 322 students were selected using a mixed sampling method (the first stage: stratified cluster sampling; the second stage: convenience sampling). Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling with Smart PLS 3.2.8 software. The results showed that the overall research model had a good fit with the data. Reliability and validity indices also indicated a satisfactory evaluation of the outer model. The direct effects of environmental awareness on environmental concerns, connectedness to nature, and environmental behavior were found to be statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01). Additionally, the direct effect of connectedness to nature on environmental behavior was significant. The findings suggest that experts and practitioners should place greater emphasis on "environmental concerns" to improve students’ environmental awareness, behavior, and their relationship with nature.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journals of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Volume 13, Issue 3
2025
Pages 171-191

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