Heterogeneity in the association between environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior: A multilevel regression approach

Previous research offers mixed results regarding the association between environmental attitudes and behavior. To shed some light on this topic, this article undertakes the first investigation of whether the association between environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior is heterogeneous or, more concretely, if the existence of this association depends on the intensity of environmental attitudes. Multilevel regressions were implemented with a nationally representative sample of Spanish people aged 18 years old and older. The results reveal a pattern of heterogeneity, such that pro-environmental behavior is only associated with strong environmental attitudes, as arise when people believe that the environment should be protected, even if this goal is expensive. This study also controls for the influence of socio-economic characteristics on pro-environmental behavior, which correlates positively with education and age. Women exhibit more pro-environmental behavior than men. On the basis of these findings, this article offers notable implications for policy makers and researchers.