Investigating the Relationships between Student Well-Being and Perceived Environmental Sustainability: Student Environmental Attitudes as a Moderator
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| Title: | Investigating the Relationships between Student Well-Being and Perceived Environmental Sustainability: Student Environmental Attitudes as a Moderator |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Zane Sheeran, Anna Sutton, Helena Dorothy Cooper-Thomas |
| Source: | International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 2026 27(6):1408-1425. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Students, Well Being, Sustainability, Environment, Student Attitudes, Conservation (Environment), Foreign Countries, Predictor Variables |
| Geographic Terms: | New Zealand |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-07-2024-0460 |
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Higher education institutes (HEIs) face two key challenges: low levels of environmental sustainability and students with low levels of well-being. This paper suggests that, because of the interconnectedness of sustainable development goals, there may be a single solution to meet both these challenges, namely, increased sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to test whether higher perceived sustainability is associated with higher well-being, moderated by student attitudes towards the environment. Design/methodology/approach: This study followed a quantitative design. Students enrolled at a New Zealand university completed an online questionnaire (n = 292) measuring student perceptions of their HEI's environmental sustainability, their attitudes towards the environment and their well-being. Regression and moderation analyses were conducted to test hypothesised relationships. Findings: Students' sustainability perceptions positively predicted student well-being. However, student attitudes towards the environment did not moderate this relationship. Originality/value: This study contributes to an emerging field by investigating the relationship between sustainability and well-being. The findings suggest HEIs may be able to improve their performance in multiple ranking criteria (student well-being and environmental sustainability) by focusing on sustainable practices and supporting students in their personal sustainability efforts. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507691 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Higher education institutes (HEIs) face two key challenges: low levels of environmental sustainability and students with low levels of well-being. This paper suggests that, because of the interconnectedness of sustainable development goals, there may be a single solution to meet both these challenges, namely, increased sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to test whether higher perceived sustainability is associated with higher well-being, moderated by student attitudes towards the environment. Design/methodology/approach: This study followed a quantitative design. Students enrolled at a New Zealand university completed an online questionnaire (n = 292) measuring student perceptions of their HEI's environmental sustainability, their attitudes towards the environment and their well-being. Regression and moderation analyses were conducted to test hypothesised relationships. Findings: Students' sustainability perceptions positively predicted student well-being. However, student attitudes towards the environment did not moderate this relationship. Originality/value: This study contributes to an emerging field by investigating the relationship between sustainability and well-being. The findings suggest HEIs may be able to improve their performance in multiple ranking criteria (student well-being and environmental sustainability) by focusing on sustainable practices and supporting students in their personal sustainability efforts. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-07-2024-0460 |
