Determinants of Proenvironmental Attitudes in College Students

Abstract

This study examined socio demographic predictors of different forms of environmental attitudes (ecocentrism, anthropocentrism, and environmental apathy) among students from a variety of academic fields at a liberal arts institution. Apathy toward the environment was predicted by political conservatism and a higher education level among parents; anthropocentrism was also a function of participation in sports activities while growing up, political conservatism, and other demographic variables. Time spent in front of a screen (computer, television) positively predicted ecocentrism and negatively impacted apathy. The results confirm the importance of separating proenvironmental attitudes into two categories focusing on inherent value versus utilitarianism. We discuss the implications of these findings for the field of environmental education and on the future of society as a whole.