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Explaining Intentions by Vietnamese Schoolchildren to Adopt Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Response to Climate Change Using Theories of Persuasive Communication

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Abstract

Climate change adaptation capacity remains low among vulnerable communities in developing countries such as Vietnam. Vector-borne diseases as dengue fever are increasing as a result of changing weather patterns. This study aims to examine the impact of key psychological variables in the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Planned Behavior, an Extended Parallel Process Model and the Social Cognitive Theory on the intention of schoolchildren to engage in climate change adaptation behavior—in this study, practices which would help reduce the risks of contracting dengue fever. It also seeks to identify the most salient predictors of the behavioral intention across these theories. Data were obtained from 796 Vietnamese schoolchildren who completed questionnaires measuring constructs of the four theories. Multivariate data analysis demonstrated that self-efficacy and severity appeared to be significant and consistent predictors of the individual’s intention to reduce dengue fever. The results provide practical suggestions for the use of the theorical constructs tested in climate change communication campaigns in Vietnam and insights generally on pro-environmental behavior change.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, grant number [106707-001].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute for Science and Technology Policy and Strategy Study (NISTAPSS), 38 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi, Vietnam

    Quynh Anh Nguyen

  2. Department of Human Ecology, Universidade of Nova De Lisboa, Campus de Campolide, 1099-085, Lisboa, Portugal

    Luc Hens

  3. Department of Economics, Finance and Marketing, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia

    Ninh Nguyen

  4. Business Sustainability Research Group, Thuongmai University, 79 Ho Tung Mau Road, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam

    Ninh Nguyen

  5. International Development Research Centre (IDRC), 150 Kent Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Charlotte MacAlister

  6. Unit for Social and Environmental Research (USER), School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

    Louis Lebel

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  1. Quynh Anh Nguyen
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Appendix

Appendix

Measurement Items

Severity

I believe that climate change has serious consequences to humanity.

I believe that climate change is extremely harmful to humanity.

I believe that dengue fever is a severe disease.

I believe that dengue fever has adverse health effects.

I believe that dengue fever is a serious threat to human health.

Susceptibility

It is likely that I will be at risk to the impacts of climate change.

It is likely that the place where I live will be affected by climate change.

It is likely that I will be at risk of catching dengue fever.

It is likely that I will be affected by dengue fever.

Self-efficacy/Perceived behavior control

I am able to cover the water tanks in my house.

I can easily overturn things that collect rainwater such as bottles, jars, coconut shells in my house.

I and my family are capable of clearing off bushes and rubbish in the yard.

Response efficacy/Attitude/Outcome expectations

Covering water tanks with lids is effective in reducing the mosquitoes’ population to prevent dengue fever.

Overturning things that collect rainwater such as bottles, jars, and coconut shells work in reducing mosquitoes’ population to prevent dengue fever.

Clearing bushes and rubbish in the yard of my house is an effective way in preventing dengue fever.

Regularly working with others to eliminate mosquitos’ habitat and breeding site will help preventing dengue fever in the future.

Subjective norm

Teachers who are important to me expect that I will clear bushes in the yard of my house.

My parents would support me clearing bushes and rubbish in the yard of my house.

Neighbors in my village often together overturn things that collect water such as bottles, jars, coconut shells to prevent dengue fever.

Intention

How often will you cover water tanks with lids in your house in the 12 months?

How often will you overturn things that collect rainwater such as bottles, jars, coconut shells in your house in the 12 months?

How often will you clear bushes and rubbish in the yard of your house in the next 12 months?

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Nguyen, Q.A., Hens, L., Nguyen, N. et al. Explaining Intentions by Vietnamese Schoolchildren to Adopt Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Response to Climate Change Using Theories of Persuasive Communication. Environmental Management 66, 845–857 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-020-01334-0

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