Predicting Pro-environmental Behaviors: An Extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior Model

Pro-environmental behavior is essential for addressing global ecological challenges, yet many individuals fail to translate their environmental intentions into action. To explore psychological mechanisms underlying this intention-behavior gap, the present study extended the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by incorporating volitional factors (action and coping planning) and automatic processes (habit).

A three-wave prospective survey was conducted among Chinese adults (N = 298). TPB variables and habit were assessed at Time 1, action and coping planning were assessed at Time 2, and self-reported pro-environmental behaviors were assessed at Time 3. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to examine the proposed relationships among motivational, volitional, and habitual processes.

Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control significantly predicted pro-environmental intention. Intention significantly predicted both action planning and coping planning. However, only coping planning significantly predicted pro-environmental behavior and mediated the relationship between intention and behavior; action planning did not predict behavior or mediate this relationship. Habit also showed a significant direct effect on pro-environmental behavior but did not moderate the planning-behavior relationship.

The findings provide preliminary evidence that integrating post-intentional planning and habitual processes can extend the explanatory framework of the TPB for pro-environmental behavior. The results highlight the importance of coping planning and habitual processes in translating environmental intentions into action and suggest that interventions may benefit from strengthening coping strategies and supporting habit formation.