Psychological factors of environmental responsibility of student youth

Pskov State University, Psychology and Child Development Support Chair, 180000 Pskov Lenin Squire 2, Russia

^* Corresponding author: pskovprof@mail.ru

Abstract

The study addresses the current social problem of psychological determinants of environmentally responsible behavior. Environmental responsibility acts as a mediating link between the cognitive, values, and emotional components of ecological consciousness and the predisposition of young people to pro-ecological actions. The empirical material was collected using a questionnaire method followed by factor and cluster analysis. It was found that the motivation of environmental activity is most associated with the social and territorial identity of young people, in the least with the declared ecological values. Identity with interest groups determines the readiness to volunteer in environmental organizations. A sense of connection with large social communities increases the desire of young people for socio-political activity. Three equal in number groups of students were identified, who attribute responsibility for the natural environment to one of three factors: personal behavior, environmental organizations of various scales, as well as economic conditions, and state policy.