UNDERSTANDING AND PREDICTING RECYCLING BEHAVIOR - AN APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF REASONED ACTION

Longitudinal data from university students (n = 349) was analyzed to t est the predictive power of a modified version of the theory of reason ed action (TRA) in the area of recycling behavior [1]. Additionally, g ender differences were examined. Overall, the model was supported. Spe cifically, the impact of attitudes and norms on recycling behavior was mediated by intentions to recycle. Past experience with recycling was directly related to intent to recycle and to recycling behavior. The relationship between norms and intent to recycle was statistically sig nificantly greater for females than for males. Past experience with re cycling was directly related to behavior for males only. The findings suggest that gender-specific interventions may be necessary for influe ncing recycling behavior among adolescents and young adults.