The Role of Socio-Cultural Factors in Adolescents’ Water-Saving Behaviors: Evidence from Iran

• In Event: 50620 - Section on Environmental Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 19: Water Safety and Conservation

Abstract

Research on the socio-cultural dimensions of water usage in Iran is still emerging, with limited attention to adolescents—an essential demographic for environmental sustainability. This study examines the socio-cultural and psychological factors influencing water-saving behaviors among female middle school students in Babol, Mazandaran Province.

A survey-based study was conducted in spring 2024, using a validated questionnaire to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 100 students. Pearson correlation and stepwise regression analyses revealed that family size significantly impacts water-saving behaviors, with smaller families exhibiting higher conservation tendencies. Family norms strongly influenced students’ environmental guilt, which, alongside perceived behavioral control, emerged as the strongest predictors of water-saving behavior. Contrary to expectations, self-efficacy did not exhibit a direct effect.

These findings underscore the importance of emotions, family dynamics, and perceived control in shaping adolescents’ water conservation behaviors. By identifying key predictors, this study contributes to the growing literature on adolescent environmental behaviors, providing insights for designing targeted interventions and educational programs to promote water conservation.

Authors

• Zahra Pazoki, University of Mazandaran

• Sadegh Salehi, s.salehi@umz.ac.ir

• Banafsheh Aghayeeabianeh, Arkansas State University-Main Campus