The Effects of Environmental Values on Pro-Environmental Behavior and Attitude of Housewives in Rafsanjan, Southeast Area of Iran

Introduction: Indiscriminate consumption of energy, environmental pollution, and destruction of natural resources are among the most important issues related to pro-environmental behavior of people in society, and environmental values play an important role in shaping internal motivations of people about environmental issues. This study was conducted to determine the effects of environmental values on pro-environmental behavior and attitude of housewives in Rafsanjan, southeast area of Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 housewives who were selected as random in health-care centers in Rafsanjan city. The data collection was done by a validated questionnaire regarding environmental values, attitude, and behavior. Pearson correlation, independent t-test, and ANOVA statistical tests were used to analyze data in SPSS.V22 software. Results: The mean score of environmental values was 3.37 ± 26.76 (89.2%), which was significant according to the level of education (p = 0.016). The mean score of attitude and environmental values was 6.88 ± 40.65 (81.3%) and 40.22 ± 5.66 (80.44%), respectively. Also, there was a significant relationship between the score of pro-environmental behaviors and the level of education (p = 0.012). Pearson’s correlation showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between environmental values and attitudes (r = 0.239, p = 0.01) and pro-environmental behaviors (r = 0.146, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Based on the results, educated housewives believe more value for the environment, and have more appropriate pro-environmental behavior; thus, planning to sensitize society members, especially housewives, regarding the values of environmental protection through religious and cultural-based environmental education programs and increasing the level of education are recommended.