Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 75-87
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260506
Gender Differences in Pro-Environmental Awareness and Environmental Concern Among Secondary School Students: Comparative Study
Ranjit Kaur1, Dr Balbinder Singh2
1Research Scholar of Psychology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
2Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Corresponding Author: Dr Balbinder Singh
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the relationship between environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviour among secondary school students. Environmental awareness is a fundamental component of promoting sustainable practices and motivating individuals to undertake environmentally responsible actions. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed in this study. A total of 101 ninth-grade students, comprising 48 females and 53 males, participated in the research through convenience sampling. Environmental awareness was evaluated using a 40-item Environmental Awareness Questionnaire, while pro-environmental behaviour was assessed with a 13-item behaviour scale. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test, and hierarchical regression. The findings indicated moderate levels of environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviour among the students. A significant positive correlation was observed between environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviour (r ≈ .29, p < .01), suggesting that students with higher levels of environmental awareness were more inclined to engage in environmentally responsible practices. Gender differences in both environmental awareness and behaviour were not statistically significant, indicating comparable levels of awareness and engagement among male and female students. Furthermore, hierarchical regression analysis revealed that environmental awareness significantly predicted pro-environmental behaviour even after accounting for gender. These results underscore the critical role of environmental education in promoting sustainable behaviours among adolescents. Enhancing environmental awareness through educational programs, school initiatives, and practical learning experiences can encourage responsible environmental actions. The study concludes that bolstering environmental awareness among students is vital for fostering long-term sustainable behaviour and environmental responsibility.
Keywords: Environmental awareness, pro-environmental behaviour, secondary school students.
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