The Role of Perceived Environmental Knowledge and Altruism as Determinants of Pro-Environmental Behaviour in a Sample of Undergraduates in AAUA, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Environmental issues, depletion of natural resources, declining weather conditions, and global warming have attracted global attention and they form the bases of developmental and sustainable goals in contemporary societies. This study examined the role of perceived environmental knowledge and altruistic behaviour as determinants of pro-environmental behaviour in a sample of Undergraduates in AAUA, Ondo State. A cross-sectional survey method was used for data collection through questionnaires. The variables of the study were explained using the Environmental Beliefs Model (EBM). The independent variable is environmental knowledge, altruism concern and the dependent variable is pro-environmental behaviour. Environmental knowledge was measured using the 16-item Environmental Concern Scale (ECS) developed by Weigel and Weigel (1978), altruism was measured using The Self-Report Altruism Scale (SAS) developed by Rushton et al. (1981) and pro-environmental behaviour was assessed using Pro-Environmental Behavior Scale (PEBS) by Larson et al. (2015). Two hundred and thirty-six (236) students were sampled using convenient sampling technique. Data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis and results of the study showed that perceived environmental knowledge significantly predicted pro-environmental behaviour [β = .28; 3.66^**p < .05]. Altruism significantly predicted pro-environmental behaviour [β = .36; 5.13^**p < .05]. Given this outcome, the study recommended that the Nigeria educational reforms and policies should be reviewed, specifying issues relating to altruistic pro-environmental behaviours and this could be achieved through symposiums and conferences.