The Role of the Real Impact of Sustainable Consumption Perception on Sustainable Behaviors, Evidence From a Post‐Transitional European Economy

Using literature review, CFA, and three SEM models, this study investigates the effect of the real impact of sustainable consumption perception on sustainable behaviors. Data were collected using the Internet surveying technique on a sample of 1200 adult consumers in Poland. The findings reveal a positive influence of the perception of sustainable consumption's real impact at every phase of the sustainable consumption process. This effect was most significant during the acquisition stage, followed by disposal and usage. Moreover, the three consumption phases were determined to different extents by the belief about the real impact on future generations, the conditions of the environment, and the living and working conditions of others as components of the real impact of sustainable consumption perception. Findings offer actionable insights for policymakers targeting SDG 12.