Study on Self-efficacy and Pro-Environmental Behavior among School Students

Abstract

Humans depend on various resources from the environment for survival. In recent times humans have maximized their use of these natural resources by exploitation of the environment which has resulted in the exhaustion of these valuable resources. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to inculcate pro-environmental behavior among individuals such that it results in the sustainable development of the environment. Pro-environmental behavior refers to the behavior that consciously seeks to minimize the negative impact of one’s actions on the natural and built world (Kollmuss, Agyeman, 2002). To be successful in exhibiting pro-environmental behavior, an individual must have a belief in oneself that their conscious behavior towards the environment can bring a significant positive impact. Therefore, it is important to study the level of self-efficacy among individuals to promote pro-environmental behavior. Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in one’s capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce a specific performance (Bandura, 1977). This study examines the relationship between self-efficacy and pro-environmental behavior. A sample of adolescents (N=80) ranging from 14-17 years was chosen for the study. The adolescent’s self-efficacy was measured using the Self-efficacy Scale and Pro-environmental behavior was measured using the Pro-environmental Behavior Scale. Data collected were analyzed through mean analysis, Pearson’s correlation and test of significance. The results show that there is a positive relationship between self-efficacy and pro-environmental behavior. There is no gender difference in the level of pro-environmental behavior. There is a gender difference in the level of self-efficacy.