Title: It is all about subjective norms: understanding undergraduate involvement in extracurricular organisations related to sustainability

Authors: J. Tom Mueller; Austin G. Barrett; Grace Wildermuth; Andrea Ferich; Alan R. Graefe

Addresses: Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, 801 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA ' Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, 801 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA ' Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, 801 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA ' Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, 801 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA ' Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, 801 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA

Abstract: This study used a large sample (n = 1,940) of university undergraduates to understand if students who are active members of a student organisation with a focus on environmental sustainability had a higher level of environmental concern and knowledge, as well as a higher likelihood to engage in environmentally conscious behaviours, than students who are not. Additionally, this study used the theory of planned behaviour to understand the factors that predict future intention to participate in a student organisation with a focus on environmental sustainability. Students who were active members of environmental sustainability focused organisations tended to be more knowledgeable about the environment, have more concern for the environment, and were more likely to engage in environmentally conscious behaviours compared to students who were not members of these organisations. Subjective norms were the strongest predictor of future intentions to participate in a student sustainability organisation.

Keywords: sustainability; higher education; student organisations; environmentalism; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; subjective norms; extracurricular organisations; undergraduate involvement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2018.096108

International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability, 2018 Vol.2 No.2, pp.102 - 121

Received: 13 Jan 2018
Accepted: 01 May 2018
Published online: 12 Nov 2018 *

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