Honors Theses

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Laura Johnson

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

With climate change and environmental degradation already having devastating effects on communities in sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing youth's commitment to the environment and mobilizing their pro-environmental action is increasingly urgent. In this study, we explored predictors of environmental commitment and action based on a model of positive youth development. We predicted that sociodemographics, self-efficacy, connection to nature, sense of community, and club participation would predict environmental commitment and action. Tanzanian youth (N = 959) from regions across the country completed self-report measures assessing these constructs. Using a series of logistic and hierarchical multiple regressions, we were able to predict statistically significant models for civic action, environmental action and responsibility. Self-efficacy served as a specific significant predictor for all models, while gender was instrumental in both civic and environmental action outcomes. If self-efficacy serves a strong predictor of both environmental action and responsibility, Tanzanian children should be in programs that foster this aspect of youth development for a broader impact on youth's developmental trajectories and civic participation to address environmental and related social challenges.

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