Understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro-environmental behavior: the mediating roles of marine responsibility and values
IntroductionThis study investigates the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between ocean literacy and pro-environmental behavior, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of marine environmental responsibility and marine values.MethodsA large-scale survey was conducted with 1...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1623231/full |
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| author | Linzhao Wang Tao Gao Yanjie Shi Li Zhang |
| author_facet | Linzhao Wang Tao Gao Yanjie Shi Li Zhang |
| author_sort | Linzhao Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionThis study investigates the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between ocean literacy and pro-environmental behavior, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of marine environmental responsibility and marine values.MethodsA large-scale survey was conducted with 1,206 university students from 23 universities across 11 provinces in China. Standardized and validated questionnaires were administered, and advanced statistical analyses, including structural equation modeling and mediation analysis, were employed to examine the hypothesized relationships.ResultsFindings reveal that ocean literacy significantly enhances individuals’ sense of environmental responsibility and fosters stronger pro-environmental values. These psychological constructs, in turn, contribute to increased engagement in conservation behaviors, such as reducing plastic use and participating in beach clean-ups.DiscussionGrounded in theoretical frameworks from environmental psychology—namely the Value-Belief-Norm Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior—this study underscores the importance of integrating cognitive, affective, and normative factors in promoting sustainable marine actions. The results offer valuable insights for the design of educational interventions and behavioral strategies aimed at advancing marine conservation efforts. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c80a0d7b62d54f978e2918d2e76b201c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-c80a0d7b62d54f978e2918d2e76b201c2025-08-20T03:41:15ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-08-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.16232311623231Understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro-environmental behavior: the mediating roles of marine responsibility and valuesLinzhao Wang0Tao Gao1Yanjie Shi2Li Zhang3Mental Health Education and Counseling Center, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, ChinaMental Health Education and Counseling Center, Guangdong Industry Polytechnic University, Guangzhou, ChinaMental Health Education Center for College Students, Kaifeng University, Kaifeng, Henan, ChinaCollege of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, ChinaIntroductionThis study investigates the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between ocean literacy and pro-environmental behavior, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of marine environmental responsibility and marine values.MethodsA large-scale survey was conducted with 1,206 university students from 23 universities across 11 provinces in China. Standardized and validated questionnaires were administered, and advanced statistical analyses, including structural equation modeling and mediation analysis, were employed to examine the hypothesized relationships.ResultsFindings reveal that ocean literacy significantly enhances individuals’ sense of environmental responsibility and fosters stronger pro-environmental values. These psychological constructs, in turn, contribute to increased engagement in conservation behaviors, such as reducing plastic use and participating in beach clean-ups.DiscussionGrounded in theoretical frameworks from environmental psychology—namely the Value-Belief-Norm Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior—this study underscores the importance of integrating cognitive, affective, and normative factors in promoting sustainable marine actions. The results offer valuable insights for the design of educational interventions and behavioral strategies aimed at advancing marine conservation efforts.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1623231/fullocean literacypro-ocean environmental behaviormarine environmental responsibilitymarine valueschain mediation model |
| spellingShingle | Linzhao Wang Tao Gao Yanjie Shi Li Zhang Understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro-environmental behavior: the mediating roles of marine responsibility and values Frontiers in Psychology ocean literacy pro-ocean environmental behavior marine environmental responsibility marine values chain mediation model |
| title | Understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro-environmental behavior: the mediating roles of marine responsibility and values |
| title_full | Understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro-environmental behavior: the mediating roles of marine responsibility and values |
| title_fullStr | Understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro-environmental behavior: the mediating roles of marine responsibility and values |
| title_full_unstemmed | Understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro-environmental behavior: the mediating roles of marine responsibility and values |
| title_short | Understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro-environmental behavior: the mediating roles of marine responsibility and values |
| title_sort | understanding the psychological pathways from ocean literacy to pro environmental behavior the mediating roles of marine responsibility and values |
| topic | ocean literacy pro-ocean environmental behavior marine environmental responsibility marine values chain mediation model |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1623231/full |
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