The Role of Social Well-Being in Enhancing Environmental Behaviors Among Citizens Aged 18 Over in Isfahan

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, Payame Noor University Tehran, Iran

10.30473/ee.2026.74206.2830

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between social well-being and environmental behaviors among citizens over 18 years old in Isfahan, Iran, a city confronting severe environmental issues, including the Zayandeh Rud drought, air pollution, and excessive waste production. Employing a quantitative survey method, data were collected from 400 participants using standardized questionnaires by Keyes (1998) for social well-being and Schultz (2001) for environmental behaviors, both tailored to the Iranian context. The target population, approximately 1.6 million adults in Isfahan in 2024, was sampled via a multi-stage cluster sampling approach to ensure demographic and geographic diversity. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis demonstrated that social well-being, comprising social cohesion (β=0.59), social trust (β=0.71), social support (β=0.74), and sense of belonging (β=0.42), significantly predicts environmental behaviors, categorized as responsible (e.g., recycling), collective (e.g., community cleanups), preventive (e.g., energy conservation), and sustainable (e.g., public transport use). Social support emerged as the most potent predictor, driving behaviors like water conservation and waste reduction by fostering emotional and practical encouragement. Social trust also played a critical role, enhancing confidence in institutions and neighbors, thus promoting compliance with environmental policies. Social cohesion and sense of belonging further supported collective and sustainable actions, respectively, by strengthening community ties and emotional attachment to the local environment. The model explained 90% of the variance in environmental behaviors, aligning with theories of social capital (Putnam, 2000), social trust (Fukuyama, 1995), place attachment (Scannell & Gifford, 2010), and planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991). Indirect effects highlighted the mediating roles of social support (42.18%) and sense of belonging (19.32%), amplifying the influence of social cohesion and trust. These findings underscore that robust social networks and institutional trust are vital for fostering sustainable practices in urban settings like Isfahan. The study proposes policy interventions, including enhancing institutional transparency through regular environmental reports, establishing local networks for recycling and sustainability education, and launching cultural campaigns, such as annual Zayandeh Rud festivals, to boost community engagement and environmental stewardship. Limitations include the reliance on quantitative data, which may overlook cultural or motivational nuances, and the lack of intra-city geographical analysis. Future research should integrate qualitative approaches, such as in-depth interviews, and conduct comparative studies with cities like Tehran or Yazd to enhance generalizability. This study highlights the critical role of social well-being in promoting environmental behaviors, offering a comprehensive framework for urban policymakers to address Isfahan’s environmental challenges through socially driven strategies, with potential applicability to other cities facing similar issues.

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References

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Journals of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Volume 14, Issue 3
June 2026
Pages 71-92

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