Work

Identification of Influencing Factors on Proenvironmental Behaviour and Construction of a Causal Loop Diagram

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study addresses the limitations of reductionist approaches to citizens' proenvironmental behaviour (PEB) by adopting a systems thinking perspective. Using qualitative system dynamics, it develops a causal loop diagram for proenvironmental behaviour (CLD‐PEB) that conceptualizes PEB as a dynamic system generated through interacting feedback processes among cognitive, experiential and social mechanisms. The model identifies 17 core influencing factors and four primary reinforcing loops: the attitude–belief loop, inaction trap loop, environmental control loop and mastery–efficacy loop. Structural analysis reveals that proenvironmental behaviour activation and self‐efficacy function as central leverage points where multiple feedbacks converge. In contrast to linear models, the CLD‐PEB suggests that direct behavioural activation, when supported by enabling structural conditions, can reorganize beliefs, efficacy and social norms through experiential reinforcement, thereby generating self‐sustaining virtuous cycles. These findings provide a systemic foundation for designing integrated policy portfolios that align structural conditions, experiential learning and normative visibility to sustain behavioural change beyond isolated informational or motivational interventions.

Source: Systems Research and Behavioral Science

DOI: 10.1002/sres.70111

Authors: Doyeon Ko, Sun‐Jin Yun, Tae‐Hoon Moon

Institutions: Seoul National University, Chung-Ang University

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Education and Sustainability

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190