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Article

Research on the Mechanism of the Influence of Thermal Stress on Tourists’ Environmental Responsibility Behavior Intention: An Example from a Desert Climate Region, China

by
Dong Li
1,2,
Pengtao Wang
1,*,
Jingyun Guan
3,
Xiaoliang Xu
3 and
Kaiyu Li
1
1
School of Tourism & Research Institute of Human Geography, Xi’an International Studies University, Xi’an 710128, China
2
Shanghai Cooperation Organization National Tourism Cooperation and Cultural Exchange Research Center, Xi’an International Studies University, Xi’an 710128, China
3
School of Tourism, Xinjiang University of Finance & Economics, Urumqi 830012, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Atmosphere 2024, 15(9), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091116
Submission received: 15 August 2024 / Revised: 6 September 2024 / Accepted: 9 September 2024 / Published: 13 September 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extreme Climate Events: Causes, Risk and Adaptation)
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Abstract

:
The desert climate region attracts a multitude of tourists due to its distinctive landforms and climatic conditions, however, it also presents challenges for environmental protection. This article constructs a theoretical model that examines the influence of thermal stress on tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior intention (ERBI), with anticipated pride and anticipated guilt serving as mediating factors. An empirical study is conducted in Turpan, Xinjiang, which represents a typical inland arid area in China. The results indicate that: (1) thermal stress does not have a significant direct impact on ERBI, nevertheless, anticipated pride and anticipated guilt play crucial mediating roles between thermal stress and this intention. (2) Furthermore, environmental knowledge positively moderates the relationship between anticipated pride, anticipated guilt, and the ERBI. This research contributes to the understanding of how tourists’ anticipatory emotions affect their ERBI in desert climate regions while deepening our comprehension of the driving mechanisms behind such intentions among tourists. Moreover, it provides theoretical references for promoting environmentally responsible behaviors among tourists visiting desert climate regions.

1. Introduction

Given escalating global climate change and increasingly salient environmental issues, the impact of human behavior on the environment has emerged as a central focus of societal concern [1,2,3]. With the tourism industry being an increasingly prosperously developed industry, tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior intention (ERBI) is of crucial significance for ensuring sustainable development and safeguarding the ecological environment of tourist destinations [4]. The environmental behavior of tourists during the tourism process is subject to a multitude of intricate factors, wherein climate conditions emerge as a pivotal yet often overlooked determinant [5]. The perception of human comfort in the natural environment is primarily influenced by temperature and closely associated with climate factors such as humidity, wind speed, and radiation [6]. Insufficient climatic conditions encountered during travel can significantly diminish tourists’ experiences and potentially impact their psychological well-being and behavioral choices. Consequently, both domestic and international scholars commonly employ the biometeorological indicator of thermal stress to evaluate tourists’ comprehensive perception of climate conditions during outdoor tourism. For instance, the extremely hot conditions of desert climates pose significant challenges to tourists, as they experience severe heat stress. This pressure may stimulate tourists to develop a range of intentions towards environmental responsibility in order to mitigate negative impacts on the environment, or conversely, it may result in the neglect of environmental conservation behaviors due to discomfort [7]. Therefore, investigating the mechanism underlying the impact of thermal stress on tourists’ ERBI holds significant theoretical and practical implications for comprehending tourists’ environmental conduct in extreme climatic conditions and devising corresponding management strategies.
Existing research has demonstrated that emotional factors play a pivotal role in individual decision-making processes. Specifically, anticipated emotions, such as pride and guilt, exert a substantial influence on individuals’ behavioral intentions [8,9]. In the realm of environmental responsibility behavior, anticipated pride typically arises from individuals’ self-validation and societal acknowledgement of positive environmental actions, while anticipated guilt stems from individuals’ introspection and moral condemnation of potential adverse environmental impact behaviors. These two anticipated emotions are considered significant psychological motivators that drive individuals to actively participate in environmentally responsible behavior [8,10]. Recently, empirical studies have been conducted on tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior in diverse case areas including national parks [11], island tourism destinations [12], marine tourism [13], industrial heritage tourism [14], and mountain tourism destinations [15]. These investigations have significantly contributed to the theoretical research on tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior across various contexts. However, the mechanisms influencing tourists’ ERBI in extremely hot and dry desert climates have not been extensively studied. This study conducts empirical research by constructing a theoretical model utilizing China’s Turpan as a representative case study of a desert climate region. Through questionnaire surveys and data analysis, it explores the mechanisms through which thermal stress, anticipated pride, anticipated guilt, and environmental knowledge influence tourists’ ERBI. Specifically, this study attempts to answer the following questions: How do heat stress, anticipated pride, and anticipated guilt influence tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior intentions (ERBI) in arid climates? What role does environmental knowledge play in these relationships? The study not only contributes to the theoretical research on the influencing mechanism of tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior intention in arid climates but also offers practical guidance for tourism destinations seeking to promote tourists’ adoption of environmental responsibility behavior under extreme climate conditions. By acquiring a comprehensive comprehension of the psychological and behavioral responses demonstrated by tourists in heat stress environments, tourism destinations can strategically devise targeted environmental communication campaigns and educational initiatives to effectively augment tourists’ awareness and behavior towards the environment. Consequently, this will facilitate the advancement of sustainable development within the tourism industry while ensuring long-term preservation of the ecological environment.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Thermal Stress

Thermal stress is a biometeorological indicator employed to assess human thermal comfort across diverse climatic conditions. It examines the impact of climate change, encompassing variables such as air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation on human well-being. This approach provides a more comprehensive and intuitive understanding of how these various meteorological factors influence the human body, in comparison to the study of individual weather elements [16,17,18,19]. The definition, indicators, and applications of thermal stress have been extensively and comprehensively investigated both domestically and internationally, resulting in significant achievements [20,21,22]. On the one hand, a multitude of scholars have developed various thermal comfort indices based on variables such as air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed by employing the heat balance equation as a fundamental principle. These indices, including but not limited to the wind chill index, temperature–humidity index, thermal stress index, and net effective temperature among others, are employed for the quantitative assessment of human (cold/hot) comfort [19] and have been extensively employed in research pertaining to tourism climate adaptation. On the other hand, certain scholars prefer employing questionnaire surveys to directly capture authentic assessments of outdoor thermal comfort from specific populations, rather than relying solely on numerical calculations derived from the heat balance equation. These surveys commonly encompass the Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV), the Thermal Comfort Vote (TCV), and the Thermal Preference Vote (TPV) [23]. Among them, Thermal Sensation is a subjective description of the ambient temperature as “hot” or “cold”, Thermal Comfort refers to the individual’s subjective response to heat and represents a state of satisfaction in relation to hot environments, and Thermal Preference reflects an individual’s inclination toward either a “hot” or “cold” environment, indicating their subjective expectations for achieving comfort. In this study, thermal stress refers to the disparity between tourists’ thermal sensation, thermal comfort, thermal preference, and subjective heat expectations during their travel process. The greater this disparity, the higher the level of thermal stress and the lower the perception of comfort by individuals.

2.2. Anticipated Emotions

Emotion refers to a psychological state of readiness induced by cognitive evaluations of events or thoughts, and it can elicit specific behavioral responses aimed at validating or managing this emotion, contingent upon the nature of the emotion and its significance to the individual experiencing it [24]. Self-perceived emotions encompass a spectrum of affective states, including but not limited to pride, guilt, shame, arrogance, and embarrassment [25].
In empirical studies examining self-perception emotions and their impact on environmental behavior, pride and guilt have garnered significant attention due to their positive association with environmentally friendly behaviors [26]. Pride is defined as a positive emotion that typically elicits pleasurable experiences and fosters a sense of self-worth. When an individual assumes responsibility for a favorable outcome, it enhances their adaptive behavior [27]. Conversely, guilt is characterized as a negative emotion that engenders feelings of tension, remorse, and apprehension [28]. When an individual takes accountability for an unfavorable outcome, it reinforces their corrective behavior. The emotions of pride and guilt can direct individuals’ attention towards specific behaviors, prompting them to gravitate towards actions that are associated with the events that triggered these emotions [29].
In the context of tourism experience, anticipated pride (AP) refers to the sense of accomplishment that tourists experience when they persistently engage in environmental responsibility behavior despite being exposed to heat stress stimuli. On the other hand, anticipated guilt (AG) pertains to the feeling of remorse that tourists experience when they fail to engage in environmental responsibility behavior under heat stress stimuli. By incorporating anticipated emotions of pride and guilt, it has been observed that both emotions significantly enhance ERBI within the tourism context [8]. In this study, we draw on the research conducted by Lai et al. [5] and propose anticipated pride and guilt as mediating variables in the relationship between heat stress and ERBI, aiming to investigate their role as mediators between antecedents and outcomes.

2.3. Environmental Responsibility Behavior Intention (ERBI)

In the specific context of tourism research, tourists′ ERBI refers to the array of behavioral intentions exhibited by tourists with the objective of mitigating adverse impacts on the environment and fostering the sustainable utilization of destination resources. This concept underscores that as pivotal participants in tourism activities, tourists not only derive pleasure from their travel experiences but also shoulder responsibilities for environmental conservation and promoting sustainable development [30,31]. It encompasses tourists’ awareness, attitudes, and willingness to actively engage in environmental conservation measures throughout the entire travel process, including but not limited to reducing resource consumption, implementing waste management practices, participating in ecological preservation activities, and supporting sustainable tourism products [32,33]. With the gradual integration of emotional factors into the theoretical framework of individual behavior research, numerous scholars have discovered that, in comparison to cognitive factors, emotional factors may possess a more robust explanatory power for individuals’ ERBI. Additionally, Lai et al.’s study revealed the significant influential role of anticipated emotions on tourists’ collective environmental responsibility behavior intention [5]. Hence, the impact of emotions on an individual’s ERBI is evidently significant. However, in arid climate zones, tourists encounter the challenge of heat stress during their travels, and there has been insufficient attention devoted to comprehending how heat stress influences anticipated emotions and ERBI.

2.4. Environmental Knowledge

Environmental knowledge (EK) refers to the individuals’ awareness and understanding of environmental issues, encompassing a wide range of topics pertaining to environmental science, technology, and governance. It entails a comprehensive comprehension of factual information, conceptual frameworks, and interrelationships concerning the natural environment and ecosystems [34]. The acquisition of environmental knowledge is considered a prerequisite for the development of environmental attitudes and environmentally friendly behaviors [35,36]. Environmental knowledge can be classified into three categories: natural environmental knowledge, general environmental knowledge, and environmental action knowledge [35]. In addition, Huang et al. posit that environmental knowledge encompasses individuals’ comprehension and concern for the natural environment, thereby fostering their sense of responsibility towards environmental protection [36]. In the absence of awareness regarding environmental issues and potential mitigation measures, individuals may fail to prioritize the environment or exhibit environmentally friendly behavior. Similarly, an inadequate understanding of the environment hampers one’s ability to engage in eco-friendly practices [37,38]. Therefore, in this study, the term “environmental knowledge” specifically refers to general environmental knowledge encompassing factual information pertaining to ecological and environmental issues within the research area, as well as an awareness of appropriate behavioral strategies aimed at addressing these problems.

3. Hypothesis Development

3.1. The Relationship between Thermal Stress and ERBI

Thermal stress, known as a physiological response, is the result of the combined influence of temperature, humidity, and various other factors experienced by the human body. This form of stress not only impacts an individual’s comfort level but also poses potential adverse effects for health. In environments characterized by heightened heat stress, individuals typically adopt a range of proactive measures to subjectively alleviate the adverse impact on the natural environment. These actions encompass water conservation, waste recycling, and active participation in environmental initiatives. However, it is important to acknowledge that the response to thermal stress can vary significantly across different regions and cultures. For instance, in some areas, individuals may prefer private transportation to gain control over their immediate environment and avoid the discomfort associated with waiting for and using public transportation, which may also involve additional physical exertion. Within the context of tourism research, tourists’ ERBI assumes particular significance as their actions directly shape resource utilization and contribute to environmental preservation at destinations. According to the existing literature, a positive correlation has been found between thermal stress and ERBI. Firstly, individuals experiencing high levels of thermal stress are more prone to developing an awareness of the discomfort and potential health risks associated with elevated temperatures, thereby motivating them towards undertaking eco-friendly actions aimed at mitigating these impacts [39]. For instance, during periods of high temperature, tourists may opt for utilizing public transportation as an alternative to driving in order to mitigate carbon emissions [40]. However, this behavior is not universally observed and may be influenced by personal preferences, cultural norms, and the availability of public transportation options. Furthermore, the heat-induced strain could also foster heightened awareness and endorsement of sustainable development initiatives such as selecting eco-friendly tourist destinations and actively engaging in local environmental projects. It is crucial to consider that these behaviors may be more prevalent in regions where there is a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness and where public transportation is efficient and accessible. In conclusion, this study proposes the following hypothesis:
H1: 
Thermal stress positively influences ERBI.

3.2. The Relationship between Thermal Stress and Anticipated Emotions

Thermal stress not only reflects the impact of environmental changes on human physiological sensations, but also indirectly affects one’s psychological state and behavioral choices. In recent years, the role of anticipated emotions in fostering ERBI has gained increasing prominence with advancements in environmental psychology. When individuals experience high levels of thermal stress, they may encounter feelings of anxiety or discomfort, however, concurrently, they are likely to engage in proactive measures such as reducing energy consumption and actively participating in environmental initiatives [41]. This constructive behavior can foster enhanced self-evaluation and heightened social recognition, consequently cultivating a sense of anticipated pride [42,43]. As a negative affective state, guilt may initially induce transient discomfort. However, in the long term, it can act as a catalyst for introspection and behavioral change. By fostering heightened consciousness and cultivating a sense of accountability towards environmental issues, individuals are more inclined to undertake proactive measures in the future [44]. Therefore, there is a significant positive relationship between thermal stress and anticipated emotions of pride and shame. In conclusion, this study proposes the following hypotheses:
H2: 
Thermal stress positively influences anticipated pride.
H3: 
Thermal stress positively influences anticipated guilt.

3.3. The Relationship between Anticipated Emotions and ERBI

In a study investigating the functions of anticipated pride and guilt in ERBI, Onwezen et al. revealed that the positive effects of attitude, personal norms, and social norms on environmentally friendly behavior are mediated by anticipated pride and anticipated guilt [42]. The study conducted by Schneider et al. revealed that an individual who foresees positive emotional outcomes arising from their environmentally conscious actions demonstrates a greater inclination towards stronger intentions and active involvement in environmental conservation endeavors [45]. Likewise, upon realizing the potential ecological deterioration triggered by their unsustainable practices and subsequently experiencing sentiments of guilt, the anticipated emotions of guilt can act as a driving force for them to proactively embrace eco-friendly behaviors. Furthermore, ERBI can also be influenced by the anticipated emotions of pride and guilt through social comparison mechanisms. When individuals anticipate that their environmentally friendly actions will elicit positive evaluations within the social group, this sense of anticipatory pride can serve as a motivational factor for engaging in additional behaviors that align with environmental standards. Conversely, when individuals anticipate that their environmentally unfriendly actions may result in negative societal evaluations, this sense of anticipatory shame can prompt them to develop ERBI. According to Niu et al.’s research, tourists’ anticipated feelings of pride and guilt significantly and positively influence their ERBI [7]. In conclusion, this study proposes the following hypotheses:
H4: 
Anticipated pride positively influences ERBI.
H5: 
Anticipated guilt positively influences ERBI.

3.4. The Mediating Effect of Anticipated Emotions

Based on the aforementioned analysis, it can be inferred that a positive correlation exists between thermal stress and the anticipated emotions of pride and guilt. Anticipated emotions of pride positively impact environmental responsibility behavior intention, as do anticipated emotions of guilt. This implies that thermal stress not only directly influences ERBI but also indirectly affects tourists’ ERBI through anticipated emotions of pride and guilt. The inference can be drawn that anticipated pride and guilt serve as mediators between thermal stress and tourists’ ERBI. Based on this, the following hypotheses are proposed:
H6: 
Anticipated pride serves as a mediator between thermal stress and tourists’ ERBI.
H7: 
Anticipated guilt serves as a mediator between thermal stress and tourists’ ERBI.

3.5. The Moderating Effect of Environmental Knowledge

The mechanism by which environmental knowledge influences the ERBI remains a topic of ongoing scholarly debate. While some scholars have substantiated the direct promoting effect of environmental knowledge [46], others have posited that it can indirectly drive pro-environmental behavior through its influence on attitudes and intentions towards the environment [47].
Figure 1 indicates the theoretical model of this study.
However, it is argued by some scholars that a high level of environmental knowledge among tourists does not necessarily result in greater environmental responsibility or the intention to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors. Environmental knowledge may not always be a prerequisite for demonstrating ERBI [48,49]. Nevertheless, previous research has indicated that tourists with extensive environmental knowledge are more likely to possess heightened levels of environmental awareness and ecological responsibility, thereby exhibiting a stronger inclination towards engaging in environmentally responsible behaviors during their travel activities [50]. Environmental knowledge enhances tourists’ comprehension of sustainable tourism and environmental protection, thereby promoting their sense of environmental responsibility in practical actions. This heightened sense of responsibility further reinforces the positive relationship between anticipated pride, anticipated shame, and ERBI [51]. Based on this premise, we propose hypotheses by considering environmental knowledge as a moderating variable:
H8: 
Environmental knowledge plays a moderating role between anticipated pride and tourists’ ERBI.
H9: 
Environmental knowledge has a moderating effect on anticipated shame and tourists’ ERBI.
H10: 
Environmental knowledge plays a moderating role in the relationship between thermal stress and tourists’ ERBI.

4. Research Design

4.1. Study Area

The Turpan is situated in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, renowned for its abundant historical and cultural heritage, as well as unique natural landscapes.
From a topographical perspective, the Turpan region is encompassed by mountains on all sides and forms a basin resembling an olive shape in the eastern part of Xinjiang’s Tian Shan Mountains. Its northern boundary is defined by Bogda Mountain, while the central area constitutes the Turpan Basin, with the Kumtag Desert distributed towards the northeast (Figure 2).
This region experiences a typical continental arid climate characterized by abundant heat, extreme dryness, and frequent strong winds. The average annual temperature stands at 13.9 °C, with high temperatures surpassing 35 °C for over 100 scorching days during summer. Moreover, the average annual precipitation amounts to merely 16.4 mm, while evaporation exceeds 3000 mm. Furthermore, there are more than 5300 accumulated temperature degrees above 10 °C throughout the year, and the frost-free period lasts around an average of 280–300 days. Therefore, Turpan is a renowned hot and arid area in China, earning it the monikers “Land of Fire” and “Wind Repository”.
The unique climatic conditions, geographical location, and cultural tourism resources render Turpan a renowned tourist city in China. In terms of administrative divisions, Turpan comprises one district (Gaochang District) and two counties (Shanshan County and Tokexun County). These districts and counties are vertically distributed within the region. With a total of thirty-six A-level scenic spots, including six 4A-level scenic spots and one 5A-level scenic spot, the region boasts abundant tourism resources primarily concentrated around their main city zones. This wealth of tourism resources effectively supports the rapid development of the local tourism industry. According to statistics, Turpan welcomed a total of 26.2817 million domestic and international tourists in 2023—an increase of 1.3 times compared to the previous year—with domestic tourists accounting for approximately 26.2622 million visitors (a growth rate of 1.3 times), while international tourists numbered around 19,500 individuals. The annual revenue from tourism reached 20.281 billion CNY—a growth rate of approximately 2.2 times.

4.2. Questionnaire Design

The initial section of the questionnaire serves to provide respondents with instructions, ensuring them that their responses will remain anonymous and that the collected data will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Additionally, it briefly outlines the research objective.
The subsequent section encompasses demographic characteristics of the sample population, encompassing gender, age, education level, annual income, and frequency of travel per year.
Lastly, the third section comprises key questionnaire items pertaining to perceived thermal stress, anticipated pride, anticipated shame, ERBI, and environmental knowledge. These five latent variables are assessed utilizing a seven-point Likert scale.

4.3. Variable Measurement

The measurement scales in this study are all derived from established scales that have been extensively used and validated in the previous literature, with appropriate modifications made to the item descriptions to better align with the specific context of this research.
Specifically, the perceived thermal stress scale draws heavily on the works of Lai et al. [5] and Hu et al. [22], encompassing dimensions such as thermal sensation, thermal comfort, and thermal preference. The measurement scale for anticipated self-conscious emotions is adapted from Niu et al.’s research findings [7]. Moreover, the measurement scale for tourists’ ERBI primarily builds upon Cheng et al.’s study [52] while incorporating necessary adjustments based on the unique characteristics of the research area. Lastly, the measurement scale for environmental knowledge predominantly references Hong et al.’s research [53] but has also been suitably modified according to features specific to our research area.

4.4. Data Collection

The research focus of this study encompasses tourists who were engaged in travel activities within Turpan during the designated survey period. In accordance with recommendations from Hair et al., a structural equation model necessitates a minimum sample size of 300 [54]. To attain this desired sample size, a multi-stage sampling strategy and a stratified sampling strategy were implemented based on scenic areas to ensure both representativeness and balance within the study sample. Specifically, the sampling process is as follows. (1) Selection Process: respondents were selected through a systematic approach that involved identifying and categorizing tourist attractions into strata based on their popularity and location. From each stratum, a random sample of tourists was invited to participate in the survey. (2) Survey Administration: surveys were conducted at various times of the day to capture a diverse range of tourists’ experiences. The selection of respondents was done in a manner that ensured a mix of demographic backgrounds and travel purposes. Field research was conducted in Turpan, Xinjiang, which serves as the case site for this investigation, spanning from 10–15 July 2023. The estimated completion time for each survey questionnaire ranged approximately between 10 and 15 min.
In order to mitigate potential biases arising from the interaction between interviewees and participants [55], we took the following steps: (1) Voluntary Participation: participants were informed that their participation was voluntary and they could withdraw at any time without consequence. (2) Anonymity: we assured participants that their responses would be anonymous and that personal identifiers would not be collected. A total of 420 questionnaires were distributed for this survey, out of which 371 valid responses were collected, resulting in a response rate of 88.33%. The descriptive statistical characteristics of the sample in this study are presented in Table 1.

5. Results

5.1. Common Method Variance Test

In statistical analysis, the utilization of the same data source or respondents, along with questionnaire characteristics such as consistent social expectations and item length, can potentially introduce spurious covariation between predictor variables and criterion variables on a scale, thereby leading to confounding effects on research outcomes and potentially misleading conclusions. This systematic error is commonly referred to as common method variance (CMV) [56].
This study employed a program-controlled approach to mitigate CMV, such as spatially separating respondents, anonymous response collection, ensuring participants’ informed consent, minimizing guessing behavior among respondents, and counterbalancing order effects across items. In addition, Harmon’s single-factor analysis method is utilized to examine the impact of CMV [55]. Furthermore, during the phase of statistical testing, the research team adhered to Podsakoff et al.’s approach and employed a one-factor experimental design to examine the variables. Without employing rotation, we obtained five eigenvalues exceeding 1. The initial factor accounted for 27.22% of the total variance, which falls below the critical threshold of 40%, indicating an absence of significant common method bias in the data [55].

5.2. Reliability and Validity Testing

The reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach’s α values. The results indicated good reliability, with Cronbach’s α values exceeding 0.7 for all five factors (0.829, 0.872, 0.774, 0.921, and 0.833) [57]. Prior to hypothesis testing, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) employing maximum likelihood estimation was conducted to establish the reliability and validity of the research structure. The estimated composite reliabilities (CR) in Table 2 all surpassed the recommended threshold of 0.70, indicating a high level of reliability for the measurements [58].
To assess convergent validity, standardized factor loadings and average variance extracted (AVE) were used. From Table 2, all standardized factor loadings were above 0.7, and significant at p < 0.001 [58]. The AVE reflects the amount of variance captured by the construct in relation to the amount of variance due to measurement error, and in this study all the AVE values were above 0.5 [54]. Discriminant validity was examined by comparing the square root of AVE with the correlations between paired constructs. All the square root of AVE estimates were higher than the inter-construct correlations, indicating that each construct was statistically different from the others [58].

5.3. Hypothesis Testing

In this study, the hierarchical regression method was employed to validate the research hypotheses while controlling for population characteristic variables (as presented in Table 3). Results from models 2 and 3 revealed significant positive associations between heat stress and anticipated pride (β = 0.202, p < 0.001), as well as between heat stress and anticipated guilt (β = 0.217, p < 0.001). However, model 6 indicated that the impact of heat stress on ERBI was not statistically significant (β = 0.033, p > 0.05), thereby failing to confirm H1 but supporting H2 and H3 instead. Furthermore, both anticipated pride and anticipated guilt exhibited significant positive relationships with ERBI in model 6 (β = 0.166, p < 0.001; β = 0.189, p < 0.01), thus confirming H4 and H5, respectively. In model 7, the interaction coefficient between environmental knowledge and anticipated pride was found to be statistically significant (β = 0.095, p < 0.05), lending support to H8. In model 8, the interaction coefficient between environmental knowledge and anticipated guilt also showed statistical significance (β = 0.106, p < 0.05), providing evidence for H9.

5.4. Mediation Effect Testing

The bootstrap method was employed to examine the mediating role of expected pride and expected shame in the relationship between perceived heat stress and ERBI. A Bootstrap sample size of 1000 was utilized with a confidence level of 95%. According to bias-corrected interval estimation, if the 95% confidence interval of the indirect effect does not encompass zero, it indicates a significant mediating effect [59]. The results are presented in Table 4. The path coefficient from perceived heat stress to ERBI was found to be 0.033, with a BC confidence interval [−0.064, 0.133] and a PC confidence interval [−0.063, 0.134], both including zero and suggesting no statistically significant direct effect.
In the indirect effect, the mediating effect of the path “CTP ⟶ AP ⟶ ERBI” is statistically significant (β = 0.033), with a BC confidence interval of [0.013, 0.068] and a PC confidence interval of [0.012, 0.063], both excluding zero. Similarly, the mediating effect of the path “CTP ⟶ AG ⟶ ERBI” is also found to be statistically significant (β = 0.041), with a Bias Corrected (BC) confidence interval of [0.014, 0.075] and a Percentile (PC) confidence interval of [0.014, 0.075], both excluding zero.
Therefore, the mediating effect of the expected pride and shame on the relationship between thermal stress and ERBI is evident, with no significant difference observed between the two mediators. This mediation accounts for 69.14% of the total effect and demonstrates a statistically significant explanatory power.

5.5. Test for Moderation Effect

The study investigated the moderating role of environmental knowledge in the associations between anticipated pride and ERBI, perceived heat stress and ERBI, as well as anticipated shame and ERBI using the model1 in the macro program PROCESS with SPSS26.0 software. As can be seen in Figure 3, the results indicate that the interaction between environmental knowledge and expected pride has a significant impact on individuals’ ERBI (β = 0.033, p < 0.05). In this study, the Johnson-Neyman technique is applied to identify the values on the continuum of environmental knowledge at which point the effect of expected pride on ERBI transitions between statistically significant and nonsignificant at the 0.05 level. Using the Johnson-Neyman (J-N) technique to plot a 95% confidence band to confirm the size of the moderation effect (Figure 3a), it is found that when environmental knowledge is greater than 3.169, the 95% confidence interval for environmental knowledge lies above β = 0 (as indicated by the shaded area in the figure). This means that within the 95% confidence interval, 0 is not included, indicating that the moderation effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated pride and environmental responsibility behavioral intention is significant only when environmental knowledge exceeds 3.169. To further explore this relationship, a simple slope analysis was conducted by categorizing environmental knowledge into high and low groups based on the 16th and 84th percentiles (Figure 3c). The findings from this analysis demonstrate that environmental knowledge positively moderates the association between expected pride and ERBI, thereby providing support for hypothesis H8.
The interaction between environmental knowledge and anticipated guilt significantly influences individuals’ ERBI (β = 0.106, p < 0.05). By utilizing the J–N method with a plotted 95% confidence band, we substantiated the magnitude of this moderation effect (Figure 3b). Specifically, our findings demonstrate that when individuals possess an environmental knowledge level higher than 3.572 units, there exists a significant moderation effect between their levels of anticipated guilt and their ERBI. To further scrutinize this relationship, we conducted a simple slope analysis by categorizing participants into high or low groups based on their percentile scores at the 16th and 84th percentiles of environmental knowledge distribution (Figure 3d). The results indicate that higher levels of environmental knowledge positively moderate the association between individuals’ levels of anticipated guilt and their ERBI, thus providing support for hypothesis H9.
The interaction between environmental knowledge and thermal stress did not yield a statistically significant impact on the ERBI (β = 0.044, p > 0.05). This suggests that environmental knowledge does not act as a moderator in the relationship between thermal stress and ERBI, thereby failing to support hypothesis H10.

5.6. Testing the Moderated Mediation Effect

The study employed the macro program PROCESS v4.2 with SPSS26.0 software to investigate the moderated mediation effects of low environmental knowledge (16th percentile), moderate environmental knowledge (50th percentile), and high environmental knowledge (84th percentile). The analysis results revealed significant moderated mediation effects, indicating that the mediating effects varied depending on the levels of environmental knowledge (Table 5). Further pairwise comparisons among the three groups with high, moderate, and low levels demonstrated significant differences in mediating effects, suggesting that environmental knowledge effectively moderates the mediating effects of anticipated pride and anticipated guilt.

6. Discussion

6.1. Theoretical Implications

In recent years, there has been a growing amount of research in the field of tourism focusing on tourists’ environmental responsibility behavior. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between heat stress and conscious emotions, as well as the association between heat stress and ERBI, have not yet been explored in extreme hot desert climates. Given the limited depth of investigation on this topic, based on the aforementioned research findings, this study holds significant implications as follows:
(1) Firstly, this study affirms that there is no direct correlation between heat stress and ERBI. This finding contradicts the hypothesis posited in this paper, suggesting that in hot desert areas, heat stress as an objective phenomenon does not directly influence tourists’ ERBI. There may exist other explanatory factors mediating the relationship between heat stress and tourists’ ERBI. In contrast to previous studies, this research focused on a more targeted sample group exclusively comprising tourists engaged in travel activities within the designated research area. Their perceptions are deemed to possess greater authenticity, and through engaging in conversations with them during the survey process, it was revealed that their ERBI is not necessarily influenced by the unique climatic conditions prevalent here. Consequently, this study contributes further to empirical investigations concerning factors influencing environmental responsibility behavior.
(2) Furthermore, drawing on the theory of self-perceived emotions, this study substantiates the crucial mediating process linking perceived thermal stress and ERBI through two distinct dimensions: anticipated pride and anticipated shame. The research findings demonstrate that the mediating role of anticipated pride and anticipated shame exists between heat stress and the ERBI. This further substantiates the two causal pathways: “heat stress ⟶ anticipated pride ⟶ ERBI” and “heat stress ⟶ anticipated shame ⟶ ERBI. The previous empirical research has demonstrated that the impact of anticipated pride on ERBI is greater compared to anticipated guilt [7,23]. However, this study does not reveal any significant difference in the influence of anticipated pride and anticipated guilt on ERBI. Therefore, the conclusions regarding the effects of these two self-conscious emotions, namely anticipated pride and anticipated guilt, on ERBI are not consistently aligned and may vary depending on different contextual factors.
(3) Finally, this study provides empirical evidence for the moderating role of environmental knowledge in the relationship between anticipated pride, anticipated guilt, and ERBI. The findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of environmental knowledge exhibit a stronger influence of anticipated pride and anticipated guilt on their ERBI. This research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how environmental knowledge moderates the link between anticipated emotions and ERBI within academic discourse. In addition, this study reveals that the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated pride and ERBI is significant only when it surpasses 3.169; similarly, the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated shame and ERBI is significant only when it exceeds 3.572. These research findings establish clear boundary conditions for understanding the mechanism linking anticipated emotions to ERBI, thereby enhancing the existing body of literature on environmental knowledge.

6.2. Management Insights

In terms of practical implementation, this study offers the following managerial insights for the sustainable development of tourist destinations:
(1) Firstly, tourism destinations should develop and implement a range of activities and promotional strategies aimed at enhancing tourists’ anticipated sense of pride in engaging in environmentally responsible behavior, as well as their anticipated sense of guilt when failing to do so. For instance, the establishment of environmental behavior check-in stations can incentivize tourists to engage in eco-friendly tasks by offering them souvenirs or certificates, thereby fostering a sense of pride. Simultaneously, through effective publicity and educational campaigns, tourists are enlightened about the detrimental consequences associated with non-sustainable behaviors at tourist destinations, consequently evoking a feeling of responsibility and motivating them to voluntarily adopt environmentally conscious actions.
(2) Secondly, it is imperative to augment tourists’ environmental knowledge. Scenic destinations should bolster educational initiatives on environmental awareness by establishing dedicated areas for showcasing information on conservation efforts, organizing lectures pertaining to environmental preservation, and offering guided tours with a focus on promoting environmental protection. The relationship between expected feelings of pride, guilt, and environmental responsibility behavior will be significantly moderated by increasing environmental knowledge, leading to heightened awareness among tourists regarding the ecological impact of their actions and a greater willingness to proactively mitigate negative effects.
(3) Thirdly, optimizing the management of the scenic area environment is crucial for mitigating heat stress. Although research has indicated that heat stress does not significantly influence individuals’ ERBI, enhancing the management of the scenic area environment through measures such as providing sunshade facilities, increasing green vegetation, and improving ventilation conditions can effectively alleviate tourists’ heat stress and enhance their overall touring experience. A comfortable and pleasant environment is more likely to stimulate tourists’ environmental awareness and behavior, thereby indirectly promoting the sustainable development of the scenic area.
(4) Additionally, the utilization of technology to promote environmental conservation behaviors can be advocated. Tourist attractions have the potential to introduce intelligent technological solutions such as environmental monitoring applications and smart waste bins in order to encourage tourists’ active participation in environmental activities and provide them with real-time feedback on their contributions towards the environment. The integration of technology not only enhances tourists’ sense of engagement and enjoyment but also effectively records and analyzes data pertaining to tourists’ environmental behaviors, thereby establishing a foundation for developing more precise environmental strategies for tourist attractions.
(5) Furthermore, it is significant to establish an environmentally sustainable community and foster a heightened sense of responsibility among tourists. To achieve this, scenic areas should actively engage tourists, local residents, and staff members in various environmental initiatives. Regular environmental clean-up campaigns, themed eco-celebrations, and other similar events can effectively strengthen the bond between tourists and the scenic area while instilling a greater sense of ownership and accountability towards its preservation. Additionally, forming a dedicated team of environmental volunteers will provide visitors with invaluable opportunities to personally contribute to conservation efforts within the scenic area, thereby facilitating their deeper comprehension and practical application of ecological principles.

6.3. Research Limitations

The study innovatively adopts thermal sensation pressure as the point of departure and investigates the underlying mechanism driving tourists’ ERBI in desert climate areas, with anticipated pride and anticipated guilt serving as mediators. This novel perspective sheds light on comprehending tourists’ ERBI in extreme climate tourism destinations. Nevertheless, there are still certain limitations:
(1) Firstly, there are limitations in the sample selection. This study primarily surveyed tourists from a specific region and may not fully represent the perspectives and attitudes of all tourist populations. Future research should aim to broaden the sample scope by including tourists from diverse regions, age groups, and cultural backgrounds to ensure more comprehensive findings.
(2) In addition, the lack of control over variables poses a limitation in this study. It is essential to consider additional factors that may influence tourists’ ERBI, such as individual values and specific environmental factors at travel destinations. Future research should aim to refine these variables in order to accurately elucidate the relationships between various factors.
(3) Furthermore, this study acknowledges certain limitations in the data collection methods employed. The primary reliance on questionnaire surveys and interviews may introduce potential subjectivity and recall bias among respondents. To enhance the objectivity and accuracy of future research, it is recommended to incorporate diversified data collection methods such as field observations and experimental designs.

6.4. Future Prospects

The future research directions corresponding to this study can be summarized as follows:
(1) Firstly, a more in-depth investigation into the psychological mechanisms of tourists is warranted. Subsequent research could further explore how tourists generate feelings of anticipated pride and guilt when confronted with heat stress, and how these emotions can be translated into actual ERBI. This will contribute to an enhanced comprehension of the psychological mechanisms underlying tourists’ behavior and provide a theoretical foundation for developing more efficacious strategies for environmental conservation.
(2) Secondly, a subsequent study has the potential to broaden its scope of application. While the current research primarily focuses on tourist attractions, it is possible to extend the investigation of ERBI to encompass a wider range of contexts such as urban public spaces and nature reserves. Future studies could explore effective strategies for promoting public awareness and encouraging environmentally responsible behavior across diverse settings.
(3) In addition, ERBI is a complex and multidimensional subject that encompasses diverse disciplinary fields. In order to gain deeper insights into this matter, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive cross-cultural and interdisciplinary research, aiming to compare disparities in tourists’ environmental behaviors across diverse cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, integrating theories and methodologies from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and ecology can facilitate more profound interdisciplinary research.

7. Conclusions

The study focused on tourists in typical desert climate areas, aiming to investigate the impact of thermal stress on ERBI through a questionnaire survey. Additionally, it incorporated environmental knowledge to explore the boundary conditions of this mechanism. The study presented the following three research findings: (1) The direct impact of thermal stress on ERBI is not statistically significant, suggesting that thermal stress does not have a direct effect on tourists’ ERBI. (2) Anticipated pride and anticipated guilt play crucial mediating roles in the relationship between thermal stress and ERBI, accounting for 69.14% of the total effect. (3) Environmental knowledge effectively enhances the positive effects of anticipated pride and anticipated guilt on ERBI while also influencing the partial mediation of anticipated pride and anticipated guilt in the association between thermal stress and ERBI.

Author Contributions

All authors made significant contributions to the preparation of this manuscript. Conceptualization, D.L. and P.W.; methodology, D.L., P.W. and J.G.; software, D.L. and J.G.; formal analysis, J.G. and X.X.; resources, D.L., J.G. and X.X.; writing—original draft preparation, D.L., P.W. and K.L.; writing—review and editing, D.L., P.W., J.G. and X.X.; funding acquisition, D.L. and J.G. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (2022D01B120).

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

All data and materials are available upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Atmosphere 15 01116 g001
Figure 1. Theoretical model.
Figure 1. Theoretical model.
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Figure 2. Spatial distribution of the study areas: (a) location in China; (b) tourist attractions in Turpan.
Figure 2. Spatial distribution of the study areas: (a) location in China; (b) tourist attractions in Turpan.
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Figure 3. Moderating effects of environmental knowledge: (a) J-N diagram of the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated pride and ERBI; (b) J-N diagram of the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated guilt and ERBI; (c) Simple slope test of the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated pride and ERBI; (d) Simple slope test of the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated guilt and ERBI.
Figure 3. Moderating effects of environmental knowledge: (a) J-N diagram of the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated pride and ERBI; (b) J-N diagram of the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated guilt and ERBI; (c) Simple slope test of the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated pride and ERBI; (d) Simple slope test of the moderating effect of environmental knowledge on the relationship between anticipated guilt and ERBI.
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Table 1. Sample demographic characteristics (N = 371).
Table 1. Sample demographic characteristics (N = 371).
TypeVariableFrequencyPercentage
GenderFemale17647.4%
Male19552.6%
Age30 and Below287.5%
31–406718.1%
41–509024.3%
51–6010227.5%
61 and Above8422.6%
EducationJunior High School Education or Below8121.8%
High School Education/
Technical Secondary School Education		9525.6%
College Degree9525.6%
Bachelor Degree7821.0%
Postgraduate Degree225.9%
Monthly income5000 and Below9224.8%
5001–10,0008121.8%
10,001–15,0007219.4%
15,001–20,0005514.8%
20,001 and Above7119.1%
Annual number of trips3 and Below13235.6%
4–615341.2%
7 and Above8623.2%
Table 2. The test of reliability and validity.
Table 2. The test of reliability and validity.
ConstructsIndicatorsUnstandardized CoefficientsSEZ-Valuep-ValueItem LoadingsCronbach’αCRAVE
CTPCTP11.000 0.7970.8290.8300.620
CTP20.9770.07213.621***0.748
CTP31.0030.07114.205***0.815
APAP11.000 0.827 0.8730.696
AP20.9690.05617.320***0.8340.872
AP30.9800.05617.433***0.841
AGAG11.000 0.7180.7740.7770.538
AG20.9400.08610.974***0.694
AG30.9970.08711.451***0.786
ERBIERBI11.000 0.7550.9210.9230.666
ERBI21.0100.06415.787***0.792
ERBI31.0280.06416.033***0.803
ERBI41.0100.06116.672***0.830
ERBI51.0080.05917.180***0.852
ERBI61.0790.06217.317***0.858
EKEK11.000 0.7600.8330.8330.556
EK20.9360.07013.320***0.737
EK30.8860.06613.322***0.737
EK40.8920.06613.503***0.748
Note: *** represent 0.001 significance level, respectively.
Table 3. Results of regression analysis.
Table 3. Results of regression analysis.
VariablesAnticipatory PrideAnticipatory GuiltEnvironmental Responsibility Behavior Intention
Model1Model2Model3Model4Model5Model6Model7Model8
Gender−0.018−0.023−0.124−0.129−0.078−0.052−0.050−0.044
(0.120)(0.118)(0.086)(0.083)(0.112)(0.109)(0.093)(0.093)
Age−0.092−0.113 *−0.041−0.063−0.077−0.057−0.079 *−0.084 *
(0.049)(0.048)(0.035)(0.034)(0.045)(0.045)(0.038)(0.038)
Education−0.035−0.0200.085 *0.101 **0.142 **0.134 **0.119 **0.127 **
(0.050)(0.049)(0.036)(0.034)(0.046)(0.046)(0.039)(0.039)
Income0.100 *0.102 *0.0120.0140.0340.0150.0150.020
(0.042)(0.041)(0.030)(0.029)(0.039)(0.038)(0.033)(0.033)
Annual number of trips0.212 **0.181 *0.0940.0610.218 **0.160 *0.179 **0.173 **
(0.080)(0.079)(0.057)(0.055)(0.074)(0.073)(0.062)(0.063)
Climate thermal pressure 0.202 *** 0.217 *** 0.0330.0190.028
(0.054) (0.038) (0.053)(0.045)(0.045)
Anticipatory guilt 0.189 **0.310 ***−0.211
(0.069)(0.060)(0.243)
Anticipatory pride 0.166 ***−0.1660.282 ***
(0.048)(0.179)(0.042)
Environmental knowledge 0.016−0.096
(0.191)(0.275)
Anticipatory pride × Environmental knowledge 0.095 *
(0.038)
Anticipatory guilt × Environmental knowledge 0.106 *
(0.049)
Constant4.682 ***3.791 ***5.277 ***4.317 ***4.466 ***2.543 ***1.4102.006
(0.299)(0.378)(0.215)(0.265)(0.278)(0.502)(0.992)(1.379)
Observations371371371371371371371371
R-squared0.0400.0750.0290.1100.0520.1080.3590.355
Note: ***, **,* represent 0.001, 0.01 and 0.05 significance levels, respectively.
Table 4. The results of mediation effects test.
Table 4. The results of mediation effects test.
Point
Estimate		Product of CoefficientsBootstrappingPercentage
SEZPC 95% CI BC 95% CI
Indirect Effects
IE1:CTP ⟶ AP ⟶ ERBI0.0330.0132.5020.0120.0630.0130.06831.01%
IE2:CTP ⟶ AG ⟶ ERBI0.0410.0162.6050.0140.0750.0140.07538.13%
Direct Effects
DE:CTP→ERBI0.0330.0520.635−0.0630.134−0.0640.13330.86%
Contrasts
IE1 VS. IE2−0.0080.021−0.371−0.0480.032−0.0510.030−7.12%
Total Indirect Effects
IE1 + IE20.0750.0213.6100.0380.1180.0410.12269.14%
Total Effects
IE1 + IE2 + DE0.1080.0512.1160.0120.2090.0090.208100.00%
Note: BC, bias corrected; PC, percentile; 1000 bootstrap samples.
Table 5. The results of moderated mediation effects.
Table 5. The results of moderated mediation effects.
Mediator VariableModerator VariablePoint EstimationStandard ErrorZ-Valuep-Value95% CI
Anticipatory prideLow anticipatory pride0.0440.0152.8300.0050.0130.074
Medium anticipatory pride0.0680.0203.3200.0010.0280.107
High anticipatory pride0.0870.0283.0700.0020.0310.142
Medium-Low0.0240.0131.8400.066−0.0020.050
High-Low0.0430.0241.8400.066−0.0030.089
High-Medium0.0190.0101.8400.066−0.0010.040
Anticipatory guiltLow anticipatory guilt0.0460.0202.2900.0220.0070.085
Medium anticipatory guilt0.0750.0194.0000.0000.0380.111
High anticipatory guilt0.0980.0273.6100.0000.0450.151
Medium-Low0.0290.0171.6700.095−0.0050.062
High-Low0.0520.0311.6700.095−0.0090.112
High-Medium0.0230.0141.6700.095−0.0040.050
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Li, D.; Wang, P.; Guan, J.; Xu, X.; Li, K. Research on the Mechanism of the Influence of Thermal Stress on Tourists’ Environmental Responsibility Behavior Intention: An Example from a Desert Climate Region, China. Atmosphere 2024, 15, 1116. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091116

AMA Style

Li D, Wang P, Guan J, Xu X, Li K. Research on the Mechanism of the Influence of Thermal Stress on Tourists’ Environmental Responsibility Behavior Intention: An Example from a Desert Climate Region, China. Atmosphere. 2024; 15(9):1116. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091116

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li, Dong, Pengtao Wang, Jingyun Guan, Xiaoliang Xu, and Kaiyu Li. 2024. "Research on the Mechanism of the Influence of Thermal Stress on Tourists’ Environmental Responsibility Behavior Intention: An Example from a Desert Climate Region, China" Atmosphere 15, no. 9: 1116. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091116

APA Style

Li, D., Wang, P., Guan, J., Xu, X., & Li, K. (2024). Research on the Mechanism of the Influence of Thermal Stress on Tourists’ Environmental Responsibility Behavior Intention: An Example from a Desert Climate Region, China. Atmosphere, 15(9), 1116. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091116

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