Drivers of sustainable sport behavior in university students: Model development and validation

This study developed and evaluated an integrative model of sustainable sport behavior among university students, defined as a theoretically linked but noninterchangeable pair of outcomes: maintenance of sport and physical activity participation and eco-aligned sport choices. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), self-regulation, motivation, social influence, and ecological perspectives, the study examined the confirmatory contribution of core TPB constructs and the incremental contribution of selected psychological, social, environmental, and sustainability-related factors. A two-phase design was used. In Phase 1, newly developed items measuring eco-aligned sport choices, visible sustainability practices, and perceived gendered/cultural barriers were reviewed by experts, refined through cognitive interviews, and examined using exploratory factor analysis with 284 students. In Phase 2, confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance testing, and structural equation modeling were conducted with 948 undergraduate students; 412 students provided behavior data at an eight-week follow-up. The measurement analyses supported two related first-order dimensions; a second-order score was retained for concise reporting, although the correlated two-factor solution showed a small fit advantage. Perceived behavioral control showed the largest association with intention, and T1 intention was prospectively associated with T2 behavior after baseline behavior was considered. Self-efficacy, perceived competence, intrinsic motivation, peer support, scheduling compatibility, access, physical environment quality, and visible sustainability practices showed additional, generally small associations. Statistical indirect associations through stress and anxiety were interpreted cautiously. Measurement invariance was evaluated for women and men and across academic stage. The findings indicate that sustainable sport behavior is associated with both individual regulation and inclusive, accessible, schedule-sensitive, and visibly sustainable campus conditions; however, the 43.5% follow-up retention, self-report measurement, and the observational nature of most paths limit causal inference.