Validating the pro-environmental behavior task in Chinese context

In recent years, research on pro-environmental behavior has been predominantly grounded in self-report methodologies. Although experimental paradigms can offer more controlled insights into environmental behavior, their development has been constrained by a lack of standardized, validated tools. The Pro-Environmental Behavior Task (PEBT), validated in Belgium and Japan, offers a promising approach, but cross-cultural evidence remains scarce and its long-term temporal stability has not been thoroughly assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the PEBT in a Chinese university sample (N = 299) by adapting task parameters to better reflect cultural response tendencies—specifically, increasing wait time differences and reducing trial numbers. Results showed that participants' choices were systematically influenced by behavioral cost (wait time) and environmental consequence (CO 2 emissions), indicating that participants took the consequences implemented in the PEBT seriously. Furthermore, PEBT behavior correlated with self-reported environmental propensity and real donation behavior. A four-month follow-up revealed moderate test–retest reliability (r = .60; ICC = .56), indicating temporal stability. Together, these findings support the PEBT's cross-cultural applicability and its potential as a context-sensitive behavioral indicator of environmental propensity for use in laboratory-based research. • Evaluated the validity of the Pro-Environmental Behavior Task (PEBT) paradigm in the Chinese context. • Behavioral choices in the PEBT were influenced by waiting time and CO 2 emissions. • PEBT behavior correlated with environmental attitudes and donations. • Showed moderate test–retest reliability over four months.