What Motivates Green Action? Exploring Psychological Determinants of Environmental Behavior Among Urban Secondary School Adolescents in Morogoro, Tanzania

Adolescent engagement in sustainable behavior is essential for long-term environmental conservation, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas. This study examined the psychological determinants of pro-environmental behavior among urban adolescents in Morogoro, Tanzania, using a convergent mixed-methods design. A total of 313 Form Three and Four students (155 males, 158 females) from four public secondary schools namely Kihonda, Tushikamane, Uluguru, and Mwembesongo participated. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a 20-item cognitive test; qualitative data were gathered through three focus group discussions. Findings showed that environmental knowledge was moderate (M = 11.2, SD = 3.4). ANOVA revealed significant differences by school (F(3, 309) = 6.78, p < 0.001), with Kihonda scoring highest (M = 12.3) and Mwembesongo lowest (M = 10.2). Form Four students outperformed Form Three (t(311) = 5.89, p < 0.001), while no gender differences were observed (p = 0.58). Regression analysis showed that perceived behavioral control (β = 0.38) and moral norms (β = 0.33) were the strongest predictors of behavior, accounting for 58% of the variance (R² = 0.58, p < 0.001). Knowledge correlated positively with behavior (r = 0.41, p < 0.001). The study recommends curriculum enhancements, school-based interventions, and youth empowerment strategies to foster sustainable behavior in Tanzania’s urban contexts.