Environment and Social Psychology

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.

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.

Abstract This study aims to explore the characteristics of weight management stress among combat sports student-athletes in higher education and analyze how environmental factors from the perspective of environmental psychology influence their coping mechanisms. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining a quantitative questionnaire survey distributed to 150-200 participants and qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with 12-15 stratified participants. Key findings revealed that competitive pressure and nutrition control difficulty were the primary sources of weight management stress, while adaptive coping strategies (e.g., seeking professional guidance) and maladaptive strategies (e.g., extreme dieting) were both adopted by the participants. Additionally, social support, institutional nutrition policies, and physical training facilities emerged as critical environmental factors affecting their stress levels and coping choices. Theoretically, this study enriches the intersection of environmental psychology and sports psychology; practically, it provides targeted insights for optimizing the support systems for college combat sports student-athletes to alleviate their weight management burden and enhance mental health.

Abstract Against the backdrop of medical tax reform and escalating doctor-patient conflicts, the workload of nurses in China has surged, with resignation rates rising year after year. Based on this context, this study draws on resource conservation, social cognition, and ecosystem theories to construct an intermediary model of ‘work pressure → self-efficacy → work engagement,’ and introduces social support as a moderating variable to establish a moderated intermediary model. In terms of sampling methods, stratified cluster sampling was employed to select 765 clinical nurses from first- to third-level hospitals in Province S, China, for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The study results revealed: first, work stress significantly negatively impacts work engagement (β = –0.170, p < 0.001); Second, self-efficacy partially mediated this relationship, with work stress reducing work engagement by lowering self-efficacy, accounting for 10.88% of the total effect; Third, social support significantly moderated the effect of work stress on work engagement, with social support significantly alleviating the negative impact of work stress on work engagement; Finally, the moderated mediation model holds true, with social support significantly moderating the first half of the mediation chain ‘work pressure—self-efficacy—work engagement.’ Specifically, when nurses receive higher levels of social support, the negative chain of work pressure reducing work engagement by weakening self-efficacy is significantly buffered; conversely, in low-support situations, this negative transmission is more pronounced. The findings of this study suggest that hospitals can effectively break the vicious cycle of ‘high stress—low self-efficacy—low work engagement’ by strengthening self-efficacy training and establishing blended online and offline support networks. This approach provides feasible strategies for stabilising the nursing workforce and enhancing patient experience under the DRG reform framework.

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.

Abstract Anti-Japanese war comedies have become a visible strand of contemporary Chinese screen culture, blending patriotic memory with comedic ridicule of Japanese invaders. Yet it remains unclear how audiences interpret this mixture of entertainment and nationalist messaging. This study examines how Chinese viewers interpret the anti-Japanese war comedy Hands Up! (2003), focusing on their intercultural competence, humor appreciation, and nationalist orientation. Drawing on intercultural communication and humor theory, the research explores how these audience traits affect responses to the film’s satirical portrayal of Japanese soldiers. The methodology combines a survey (N=250) using structural equation modeling with in-depth qualitative interviews (N=15). Results indicate that viewers with higher intercultural competence report greater appreciation of the film’s humor and more nuanced interpretations, whereas strong nationalist orientation predicts stronger alignment with the film’s patriotic message. Humor appreciation partially mediates the relationship between intercultural competence and interpretation. Qualitative interviews reveal that audiences both laughed at and reflected on the film’s exaggerations, showing an interplay of entertainment and ideological resonance. These findings highlight the complex role of humor in politically charged media: while the comedic dehumanization of the “enemy” reinforces nationalist narratives, viewers’ cultural competence can temper simple ingroup/outgroup reading. The study contributes to theory by linking individual difference variables with audience reception of visual political discourse. It also provides practical insight into how war comedies function as cultural texts in contemporary China. The research underscores the importance of considering intercultural skill and ideology in understanding media effects in nationalist contexts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract Humanitarian crises in Malaysia, resulting from floods, pandemics, and population displacement, necessitate effective logistics coordination to facilitate timely and efficient disaster response. Despite advancements in national disaster management systems, fragmentation remains evident among government agencies and NGOs, leading to delays, redundant efforts, and inconsistent operational practices. This research investigates the challenges associated with logistics coordination by empirically analyzing three fundamental dimensions: resource sharing, process synchronization, and operational standardization, and their effects on the performance of humanitarian operations. This study utilized a quantitative survey involving 593 practitioners from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. PLS-SEM was employed to assess the relationships among constructs including delivery speed, flexibility, service quality, and efficiency. Research indicates that resource sharing and operational standardization markedly improve performance, while process synchronization does not demonstrate a significant impact, underscoring deficiencies in real-time coordination and workflow integration. The model demonstrates significant explanatory power (R² = 0.757) and predictive relevance (Q² = 0.399), thereby affirming the robustness of logistics coordination as a determinant of humanitarian effectiveness. This study directly supports SDG 11 by enhancing disaster resilience, SDG 9 by promoting integrated systems and standardized operations, and SDG 17 by emphasizing inter-agency collaboration. The findings provide practical recommendations for policymakers to establish centralized coordination frameworks, digital platforms, and standardized procedures to enhance Malaysia's capacity for humanitarian response.

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.