Parent-child interaction experiences and parents' pro-environmental behaviors in nature tourism destinations: A study based on intersubjectivity theory

While numerous studies highlight the positive effects of parent–child travel interactions on individual behavior, few explore these experiences from the parents' perspective, particularly with respect to the formation of pro-environmental behavior and its relevance to promoting broader societal green transformation. This study applies intersubjectivity theory, using natural tourist sites in China as a case study, with parents as research subjects. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using PLS–SEM and fsQCA. The PLS–SEM results indicate the following. (1) Except for the lack of a significant positive impact of emotional experience in parent–child interactions on ecological reflexivity, all the other hypothesized paths are validated. (2) Cognitive experiences influence ecological reflexivity differently on the basis of travel decision-making styles. The fsQCA results revealed three distinct patterns driving parents' PEB, with ecological reflexivity as a key determinant. This study provides theoretical insight into the link between interpersonal interactions and tourist behavior, refines parent–child tourism research, and provides empirical evidence to promote PEB within families.