MEASURING PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR: A Psychometric and Behavioural Analysis Towards Sustainable Mobility

This thesis investigates pro-environment behaviour among high school students, focusing on the intersection between environmental psychology and sustainable mobility. Conducted at the “Amedeo Avogadro” Technical-Scientific Institute in Turin, the study explores how adolescents, as future engineers, computer scientists, and technicians, translate environmental concern into actual practices within a context rich in public transport, cycling infrastructure, and urban sustainability initiatives. Methodologically, the research applies the General Ecological Behaviour (GEB) scale, adapted to the context, and analysed through the Rasch model, an advanced psychometric approach that moves beyond attitudes to measure real behavioural patterns. Data collection took place in winter 2023 and the raw sample includes 908 students, 82 teachers, 18 administrative staff, and one cafeteria worker, providing a unique dataset characterised by a gender imbalance typical of technical education. The analysis reveals a hierarchy of behaviours, from simple and widely adopted actions, to more demanding practices. Rasch calibration confirms the multidimensional nature of pro-environment behaviour, organised into clusters including active engagement, social conformity, domestic efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Correlational and demographic analyses further highlight patterns such as the limited integration of environmental considerations in transport choices, despite widespread awareness of pollution, and the persistence of gendered differences in mobility practices. A key finding concerns the gap between awareness and action in sustainable mobility: only 12.5% of students report considering environmental impact when choosing transport, even though a third recognise its importance. This discrepancy underscores the role of structural barriers and social routines in shaping behaviour, suggesting that education alone is insufficient to induce change. Comparisons with adult Italian populations indicate that some sustainable practices, such as separating waste, align closely across age groups, whereas others, like organic consumption, remain constrained by limited economic autonomy of adolescents. The study concludes that pro-environment behaviour among Italian youth is neither uniformly strong nor absent, but rather complex, selective, and domain specific. Most students show moderate engagement, while a minority displays either exceptional commitment or disengagement. These insights carry significant implications for both theory and practice: interventions should be differentiated according to behavioural domains, targeted early in life when habits are still malleable, and supported by systemic changes that make sustainable behaviours the most attractive default option. This research provides a nuanced mapping of youth environmental behaviour in Italy, challenging simplistic optimism or pessimism about younger generations’ commitment to sustainability. By combining psychometric innovation with contextual analysis, it offers valuable guidance for educational policies, urban planning, and long-term strategies aimed at fostering a culture of sustainability.