A Study on the Variables Influencing on Adolescents Consciousness and Behavior in Pro-environmental Consumption - In Relation with Their Mothers' Pro-environmental Consuming Behavior -

청소년의 환경친화적 소비의식과 소비행동에 영향을 미치는 변수에 관한 연구 -어머니의 환경친화적 소비행동과 관련하여-

This study was designed to verify the influence of mothers on their young adults in pro-environmental consuming consciousness and behavior. The compiled data are based on the responses of questionnaires from 278 young adults who reside in Seoul, Korea. The data were analyzed by frequency, standard deviation, mean, unitary dispersion, rank revolution analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression analysis by SPSS 14.0K for Windows. This study has discovered the following: First. A mother's pro-environmental consuming behavior is one of the most important factors significantly influencing a young adult's consciousness and behavior. Second. A friendly and positive consciousness about the environment enhances pro-environmental consuming behavior. A close inter-relationship exists between consciousness and behavior. However, some significant discrepancy was found between pro-environmental consuming consciousness and pro-environmental consuming behavior; that is, the level of pro-environmental consciousness was higher than the level of pro-environmental behavior. Third. Sensitivity to environmental information influenced pro-environmental consumption consciousness and behavior. Female students are more concerned about and sensitive to environmental matters than are male students. Fourth. Among the subordinate dependent variables, recycling behavior is most influenced by independent variables. Among the pro-environmental consuming behavior sector, a mother's disposal behavior exerts the most influence on the young adult's behavior. In the results of this study, it is pointed out that it is absolutely necessary fur young adults to bring up their practice level of pro-environmental purchase and consuming behaviors, and it is advised that appropriate and relevant education programs should be developed.