Editor-in-Chief
Prof. Dr. Paola Magnano
Kore University of Enna
Italy
Prof. Dr. Gabriela Topa
Social and organizational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia
Spain
Environment and Social Psychology
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2424-8975 (Online) 2424-7979 (Print) Journal Abbreviation: Environ. Soc. Psychol. |
Environment and Social Psychology (ESP) is an international open-access academic journal dedicated to publishing highly professional research in all fields related to the relationship between environment and social psychology. All manuscripts are subjected to a rigorous double-blind peer review process, to ensure quality and originality. We are interested in the original research discoveries. This journal also features a wide range of research in ancillary areas relevant to social psychology. ESP publishes original research articles, review articles, editorials, case reports, letters, brief commentaries, perspectives, methods, etc. ESP aims to explore the connections between the environment and human condition, and enhance the environment protection consciousness and behaviors that are crucial to achieve the goals of sustainable development and human development. The research topics of ESP include but are not limited to:
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Notice: The ownership of Environment and Social Psychology (ESP) has been transferred from Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd. to Arts and Science Press Pte. Ltd. The new publisher will publish this journal starting from Volume 9, Issue 7 of 2024. Contributors should make submissions to the new journal system (https:/esp.as-pub.com/index.php/esp) from March 25, 2024. Authors of previous submissions can track the publication progress through the original journal system. | |
ISSN: Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Publishing
Table of Contents
Open AccessResearch Articles
by Lili Zeng
2026,11(2);
0 Views
Abstract
Psychological perception of water scarcity, despite its strong correlation with water-saving behavior, has not been explored within major behavioral theoretical frameworks. This study develops an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model incorporating psychological perception of water scarcity as an antecedent variable. This research paper investigates how scarcity perception impacts water-saving behavior by examining three mediating mechanisms: attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Additionally, it assesses the extended model's incremental explanatory power over the original model. Using data taken from China General Social Survey, this study uses structural equation model for path analysis and Bootstrap methods to test mediating effects. According to the findings, perceived scarcity is a significant predictor of all three main constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The attitude path makes the biggest contribution as all three chained mediating paths are significant. The extended model demonstrates superior fit and predictive accuracy. This study establishes four specific objectives which include clarifying the theoretical positioning of perceived scarcity as a precursor variable within the behavioral model; outlining its specific psychological pathways to stimulate water-saving behavior; and providing targeted evidence for water-saving interventions. Policymakers must focus on effort on developing strategies that shape attitudes and enhance people’s self-efficacy to promote an overall shift residential water-saving behaviors.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Monruetai Intongsuk, Pashatai Charutawephonnukoon, Krisada Chienwattanasook
2026,11(2);
9 Views
Abstract
This study investigates the role of transformational leadership in promoting innovative work behavior among employees in leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firms. The research specifically examines the internal mechanisms of empowerment, knowledge sharing, and perceived organizational support. The participants included eight individuals – executives, human resource managers, and supervisors – who were interviewed through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that transformational leadership is a critical factor in stimulating creative thinking, providing opportunities for employees to demonstrate their capabilities, and cultivating a work environment conducive to innovation. It also enhances employees' sense of empowerment, autonomy in decision-making, and intrinsic motivation to improve their work. Additionally, knowledge sharing facilitated by organizational structures and culture, along with employees' perceived organizational support in terms of resources and well-being, significantly contributes to the development of innovative work behavior. Therefore, fostering innovation in ICT organizations requires inspirational leadership supported by comprehensive and sustainable employee support systems.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Yingxiu Hong
2026,11(2);
24 Views
Abstract
The VR tourism industry has a significant impact on the well-being of the elderly, and aging has become a pressing concern.This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing non-adoption intention to VR tourism among Chinese elderly people.The conceptual framework was established based on IRT theory. The relationships among various variables of usage barrier, perceived price, lack of trust, image barrier, perceived health risk, and resistance, non-adoption intention, and personal innovativeness were examined.The data were collected through online survey questionnaire. The population was the elderly aged 55 and above in China. A total of 465 participants involved in the survey.The statistical technique used in this study was partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), which was performed using Smart-PLS 4.0.The results revealed that usage barrier, perceived price, lack of trust, image barrier, perceived health risk positively influenced resistance to using VR for tourism, which, in turn, positively influenced the non-adoption intention to using VR for tourism , Additionally, personal innovativeness moderated the association between resistance and non-adoption intention to using VR for tourism. This study contributes to VR tourism analyzing IRT theory among Chinese elderly people.This study’s findings provided guidance for the government, relevant tourism enterprises, and VR suppliers.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Meng Wang*
2026,11(2);
0 Views
Abstract
Limited empirical evidence exists regarding the intervention effects of environmental education on adolescents despite the growing focus on sustainable development education in the global policy space. This study used publicly available data from the PISA 2018 database to analyze 2,847 students’ (51.7% female; mean age = 15.4 years) responses from 42 schools in China to investigate the effects of comprehensive ecological education programmes on adolescents’ sustainability literacy and environmental responsibility. Schools were grouped as intervention (n = 1,456) or control (n = 1,391) based on program implementation. To estimate the effects of the intervention, multiple regression and propensity score matching were used, with gender being investigated as a potential effect modifier. Students in ecological education programs demonstrated significantly higher levels of sustainability literacy (β = .19, p < .001, d = 0.47) and environmental responsibility (β = .16, p < .001, d = 0.38) than controls. The largest effects were observed for environmental knowledge (d = 0.52) and personal environmental responsibility (d = 0.42). Gender had a significant moderating effect on these outcomes. Female students showed stronger gains in sustainability literacy (d = 0.56 vs. 0.35) and environmental responsibility (d = 0.50 vs. 0.29). The findings indicate that comprehensive ecological education programs are positively associated with adolescents' sustainability competencies. Results were consistent in multilevel modelling, propensity score matching, and subgroup analyses. Educational policies focusing on ecology education at secondary level and gender differences in intervention responses need to adopt diverse pedagogical strategies.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Junchi Du
2026,11(2);
0 Views
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates how feelings of energy poverty affect Chinese residents’ plans related to the adoption of clean energy by using the theory of planned behavior and conservation of resources theory. It considers how environmental concern and perceived behavioral control act as mediators for this relationship.
Methodology: Data was obtained from the Chinese General Social Survey of 2021 in collaboration with the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) environmental module. A total of 2,187 adult participants made up the entire sample. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Additionally, Bootstrap mediation analysis was performed with 5,000 resamples.
Findings: Energy poverty perception had a significant negative direct influence on the adoption intention of clean energy (β = −0.14, P < 0.01). Environmental concern and perceived behavioral control both acted as significant partial mediators for the effect. The indirect effect via environmental concern was larger in magnitude (−0.091, 30.8% of total effect) compared to the indirect effect of perceived behavioral control (−0.064, 21.7%). The total indirect effect (52.5%) exceeded the direct effect (47.5%).
Conclusion: Energy poverty perception indirectly hinders the adoption intention of clean energy by reducing environmental prioritization and self-efficacy perceptions. The affective path was shown to have a relatively more significant effect.
Practical Implications: Policy interventions should cover the alleviation of energy poverty while also linking the benefits of clean energy in terms of health and economic gains to the shortage of resources.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Mengjie Yuan, Ruolin Hao
2026,11(2);
4 Views
Abstract
This study focuses on the impact mechanism of cultural identity on the learning motivation of English major students in the context of English Medium Instruction (EMI). Based on the social psychological model of second language acquisition and multicultural interaction theory, this study designs a questionnaire on students' learning motivation and cultural identity. At the same time, it explores the impact mechanism of cultural identity on learning motivation through linear regression analysis. The results of the survey conducted on 351 English major students showed that the final overall average evaluation of cultural identity of sophomore students was 3.237, and the overall average evaluation of cultural identity of junior students was 3.202. The average evaluation of learning motivation among sophomores and juniors is 3.408 and 3.414. Regression analysis further showed that the impact coefficient of cultural identity on learning motivation was 0.67, with significance p<0.001. Based on research findings, EMI teaching should promote the coordinated development of students' cultural identity and learning motivation by creating a multicultural interactive environment, constructing inquiry-based classrooms, and integrating dual motivation guidance.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Duan Yao, Lily Suriani Mohd Arif
2026,11(2);
5 Views
Abstract
With global assignments emerging as a common aspect of the multinational enterprise, the capacity of the employees to adjust successfully to culturally diverse working environments has become all the more important. Cultural intelligence (CQ), which is a multidimensional ability that is defined as having metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral dimensions, is commonly known as a prime predictor of expatriate adjustment and performance. Although the previous studies have focused on the conventional antecedents of CQ, which include international experience, proficiency in language, and formal training, the importance of social media as a digital channel of cross-cultural learning is not intensively studied; in addition, it is important to consider platform-related aspects of this learning. The present research is a study that examines the connection between cultural intelligence utilizing four dimensions and social media use among the Korean expatriates working in Beijing, using WeChat as the center of study. The survey data were gathered with the help of a quantitative cross-sectional survey design of 124 expatriates working in the Korean-owned companies. Measures of cultural intelligence were done using the Short Form Cultural Intelligence Scale and meeting social media was operationalized in terms of informational and socializing WeChat activities. Regression analyses indicate that the effects are differentiated. The belief in the use of social media demonstrates that it has a significant positive correlation with cognitive CQ (b = 0.45, p < 0.001) and motivational CQ (b = 0.414, p < 0.001): the use of the platform facilitates the acquisition of cultural knowledge and the motivation to engage in intercultural interaction. Conversely, the use of social media is neither positively related to metacognitive CQ (b = [?]0.012, p < 0.05) nor behavioral CQ (b = [?]0.053, p < 0.05) thus, the implication is that it has little impact on reflective cultural strategy and adaptive behavioral enactment. These results reveal that social media is more of an informational and a confidence-building tool and not a complete process of building deeper levels of intercultural competence. The present research contributes to the current knowledge regarding the role of digital tools in selectively facilitating the development of expatriate capability and emphasizes the significance of balancing the learning process based on social media with the use of structured interaction, feedback, and reflective practices by placing the inquiry into the platform-specific China-based context of CQ analysis.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Zhiqiang Sun, Peng-Fei Chen
2026,11(2);
4 Views
Abstract
Purpose: This study is to examine the impact of perceived university social responsibility (USR) on the volunteer service behavior of medical college students in Jiangxi Province, China, using the theory of planned behavior. The mediating role of volunteer service motivation is also explored. Method ology : Convenience sampling was used to select 700 students from 11 medical colleges in Jiangxi Province to participate in a questionnaire survey. SPSS and AMOS were used for statistical analysis. Findings: The results showed that University social responsibility had a significant direct positive predicted on volunteer service behavior ( β = .724, p < .001). University social responsibility also had a significant positive impact on volunteer service motivation ( β = .623, p < .001), and motivation further positively affected volunteer service behavior ( β = .428, p < .001), forming a significant mediating path. Implications for Research and Practice: This study enriches the application of the Theory of Planned behavior within the context of university social responsibility and medical education, extending the theoretical perspective on volunteer motivation and behavior. From a practical standpoint, the findings suggest that universities should integrate social responsibility education with professional training, refine incentive mechanisms for volunteer service, and design targeted programs to enhance students’ sense of responsibility and sustained engagement. These insights also provide valuable references for educational management and policy development.
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Announcements
Announcement about Artificial Intelligence in Academic Writing issues |
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With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT and other large language models, is becoming increasingly prevalent in research publications. Art and Science Publishing House is dedicated to continuously refining and updating its policies regarding the use of AI tools in academic writing. In alignment with COPE’s position statement on AI tools, we hereby outline the following guidelines: Authorship and Accountability AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of a manuscript. This is because AI tools cannot take responsibility for the content of a submission, nor do they possess the ability to manage copyright and licensing agreements. Transparency in Disclosure Authors who use AI tools in the preparation of their manuscripts—whether for writing, data collection, or data analysis—must transparently disclose the use of such tools. This disclosure should include: A description of how the AI tool was used. The specific AI tool(s) employed. This information should be clearly stated in either the "Methods" or "Acknowledgments" section of the manuscript. Author Responsibility Authors bear full responsibility for the content of their manuscripts, including any portions generated by AI tools or data analyzed using AI during the research process. This ensures the integrity and accuracy of the published work. Consequences of Non-Disclosure Failure to disclose the use of AI tools in a manuscript will result in serious consequences. “Environment and Social Psychology” and Art and Science reserve the right to reject or retract any submission found to have concealed the use of AI tools. These guidelines are designed to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and transparency while embracing the potential benefits of AI in research. We encourage authors to use AI tools responsibly and to provide clear and honest reporting of their use. For further clarification or questions regarding these policies, please contact our editorial office. |
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| Posted: 2025-01-20 | |
Call for papers |
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The Environment and Social Psychology (ESP) invites submissions of original research manuscripts in all areas of Environment psychology, including Human-Environment Interactions, Sustainability and Pro-Environmental Behavior, Climate Change Psychology, Restorative Environments, Urban Planning and Design, Place Attachment and Identity, Environmental Stressors and communication. Since 2022, ESP has been indexed in SCOPUS, further enhancing its visibility and academic impact. We encourage researchers interested in publishing with ESP to submit their work for consideration. We look forward to your valuable contributions to the journal. |
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| Posted: 2024-12-23 | |
Announcement of New Editor-in-Chief |
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We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Gabriela Topa as the new Editor-in-Chief of Environment and Social Psychology (ESP), effective December 1, 2024. Professor Topa, who is currently affiliated with Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) in Spain, brings a wealth of expertise in Social and Organizational Psychology to this prestigious role. Having previously served as an esteemed member of our Editorial Board, Professor Topa has demonstrated exceptional leadership and scholarly acumen. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for ESP as we continue to advance our mission of publishing cutting-edge research in social psychology and related disciplines. Environment and Social Psychology is a fully open-access journal committed to disseminating high-quality research across a broad spectrum of topics within the field. Under Professor Topa's guidance, we are confident that ESP will reach new heights of academic excellence and influence.
The ESP Editorial Team and Publisher |
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| Posted: 2024-12-01 | |
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