How does environmental cognition drive pro-environmental behavior in island communities? A chain mediation model of nature connectedness and environmental identity

Grounded in Cognitive Appraisal Theory, this study explores the psychological mechanisms through which environmental cognition influences pro-environmental behavior among island residents. This study selected five representative islands in Guangdong Province, China (Donghai Island, Naozhou Island, and Nanshan Island in Zhanjiang City; Hailing Island in Yangjiang City; and Nan'ao Island in Shantou City) as case studies. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to local residents using random sampling, yielding 658 valid responses. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings of this study indicate that: 1) Environmental cognition does not have a significant direct effect on pro-environmental behavior among island residents. 2) Both nature connectedness and environmental identity have significant positive effects on pro-environmental behavior and act as mediators in the relationship between environmental cognition and pro-environmental behavior. 3) Nature connectedness significantly predicts environmental identity, and together they form a chain mediation pathway through which increased environmental cognition enhances nature connectedness, thereby strengthening environmental identity and ultimately promoting pro-environmental behavior. This study not only enriches the theoretical framework of pro-environmental behavior by revealing a chain mechanism described as the knowledge, emotion, identity, and behavior pathway, but also addresses the limitations of traditional models in accounting for emotional internalization. Practically, the findings provide targeted theoretical support for policymakers in designing environmental education interventions, contributing to increased public engagement in environmental protection and promoting more effective environmental governance.