The Influence of Information Intervention Cognition on College Students' Energy-Saving Behavior Intentions

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar 4;17(5):1659. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17051659.

Abstract

Based on the theory of planned behavior, this research examines the influence of different types of information on the behavioral intentions of college students in the context of perceived behavioral control (perceived self-efficacy and perceptual control) as mediating variables. The results showed that: (1) Different types of information intervention factors have different effects on perceptual self-efficacy and perceptual control; the influence degree of economic cost has the strongest effect, followed by group pressure, while the influence degree of publicity and education has the weakest effect. However, policy intervention has no statistically significant effect on both of them (perceived self-efficacy and perceptual control). (2) Two variables, perceived self-efficacy and perceptual control, serve as mediators between information intervention factors and energy-saving behavior intention. (3) Individual characteristic factors have significant moderating effects on each path in the model of information intervention-perceived behavior control-intention. Finally, suggestions are made on how to encourage college students to more effectively save energy.

Keywords: energy-saving behavior intention; information intervention; mediation effect; perceived behavioral control; theory of planned behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Control* / psychology
  • Cognition*
  • Conservation of Energy Resources* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Self Efficacy
  • Students* / psychology
  • Students* / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult