Environmental Connection, Awareness, and Behaviors in University Students: An Exploratory Portuguese Study

Ana Torres (), Paula Carvalho, Jorge Costa, Claudia Silva, Rosa Marina Afonso, Carla Nascimento and Manuel Loureiro
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Ana Torres: Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Human Social Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal
Paula Carvalho: Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Human Social Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal
Jorge Costa: Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Human Social Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal
Claudia Silva: Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Human Social Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal
Rosa Marina Afonso: Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Human Social Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal
Carla Nascimento: Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Human Social Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal
Manuel Loureiro: Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Human Social Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-15

Abstract: Addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within universities is an urgent necessity. Understanding and measuring the environmental behaviors of university students is an essential initial step in this process. This study had two primary objectives: to translate and adapt the General Ecological Behavior (GEB) Scale for European Portuguese and to provide an exploratory analysis of environmental connection, awareness, and behaviors within a Portuguese university student sample. A convenience sample of 112 university students, aged 18–65, was surveyed using a paper-based, self-report questionnaire. This instrument included sections on sociodemographics, environmental concerns, preferences, and self-report measures (GEB, GAD-7, and PHQ-9). We present the translation and adaptation procedure for the GEB, alongside preliminary findings that suggest acceptable reliability, factorial validity, and discriminant validity. Moreover, exploratory data on environmental connection, awareness, and behaviors are discussed. This study provides a foundational measure for future research into pro-environmental behaviors in the Portuguese context and contributes preliminary insights into the environmental attitudes and behaviors of Portuguese university students. We urge future research to focus on the SDGs, examining factors, measures, and strategies to enhance pro-environmental behaviors.

Keywords: environment connection; environmental awareness; environmental behaviors; university students; exploratory study; General Ecological Behavior (GEB); Portugal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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