ESP-4447

Published

2026-02-05

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Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Publishing

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Lili Zeng*

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How to Cite

Lili Zeng. (2026). Driving mechanisms of psychological perception of water scarcity on water-saving behavior: An extension of the theory of planned behavior. Environment and Social Psychology, 11(2), ESP-4447. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v11i2.4447

Driving mechanisms of psychological perception of water scarcity on water-saving behavior: An extension of the theory of planned behavior

Lili Zeng

Faculty of Business and Communication, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v11i2.4447


Keywords: psychological perception of water scarcity; water-saving behavior; theory of planned behavior; structural equation modeling; mediating effect

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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