The Effect of New Ecological Paradigm on Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Mediating Role of Environmental Attitudes

Acquiring a better understanding of what drives pro-environmental behaviors is important for human. This study explores the underlying mechanism between New Ecological Paradigm and pro-environmental behaviors. Based on cognitive dissonance theory and identity theory, a questionnaire, including New Ecological Paradigm scale, pro-environmental attitude scale and pro-environmental behaviors scales, was used to investigate 1352 university students. The results indicated that: (1) There were significant correlations among New Ecological Paradigm, pro-environmental attitude and pro-environmental behaviors; (2) pro-environmental attitude played mediating role between New Ecological Paradigm and pro-environmental behaviors. In summary, this study uncovered the mechanism underlying the relationship between New Ecological Paradigm and pro-environmental behaviors, which contributes to the understanding of the complex mechanism that influence people s pro-environmental behaviors.</br></br> Key Words: New Ecological Paradigm, environmental attitude, pro-environmental behaviors, mediating effect