Positive Psychology & Sustainable Behavior: The Effect of Perceived Social Support on Individuals’ Pro-Environmental Behavior

Both positive psychology and pro-environmental behavior are highly associated with individuals’ well-being. While previous studies have investigated the drivers of sustainable behavior, very few pieces have examined the influence of perceived social support on pro-environmental behavior. Drawing on social exchange theory, the study aims to explore the relationship between perceived social support and pro-environmental behavior. The current study recruited 605 participants, and empirically examined the relationship between perceived social support and individuals’ pro-environmental behavior, and underlying mechanism utilizing hierarchical regression and bootstrapping method. The regression coefficient of perceived social support and pro-environmental behavior is 0.511 (SE = 0.034, p < 0.001). The indirect effects of empathy and gratitude are 0.259 (SE = 0.040) and 0.185 (SE = 0.044), with 95% confidential interval [0.182, 0.339] and [0.099, 0.272], respectively. Perceived social support is positively related to individuals’ pro-environmental behavior, indicating that individuals who perceive a higher level of social support are more inclined to engage in pro-environmental behavior compared to those who perceive a lower level of social support. Additionally, the relationship between perceived social support and pro-environmental behavior is parallel mediated by individuals’ empathy and gratitude, with empathy playing a more significant role than gratitude. This implies that individuals who experience a greater sense of social support tend to exhibit higher degrees of empathy and gratitude, which in turn helps amplify their engagement in pro-environmental behavior.