Does interpretation influence elaboration and environmental behaviors?

Abstract

Understanding the development of pro-environmental behavioral intentions and behaviors remains one of the greatest challenges for environmental educators worldwide. Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model as a theoretical foundation, we developed surveys to evaluate the influence of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Junior Ranger program on youths’ (ages 8–13) elaboration (comprised of awareness, interest, and cognitive engagement) and stewardship behaviors. Results suggest that these programs had significant immediate influences on both elaboration as well as stewardship intentions and behaviors. We then investigated whether elaboration was predictive of children’s behavioral intentions and self-reported behaviors associated with stewardship using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results suggest that elaboration accounted for 88% of the variance in participants’ stewardship behaviors/intentions.

Keywords:

• Structural equation modeling
• interpretation
• elaboration likelihood model
• stewardship

Notes

1. The final scales presented in Vezeau et al. 2017 did not include the ‘awareness’ construct, which was removed during CFA procedures because of lack of variability within samples (pre and post experience); however, for the purposes of investigating the influence of the JR program (change), the items were deemed relevant and appropriate for use.