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Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
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Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 45826

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fridanna Maricchiolo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Education, University of Roma Tre, 00154 Roma, Italy
Interests: social psychology; people–environment relationships; inter-group processes; wellbeing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Oriana Mosca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: social psychology; health and well-being; people–place relations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Davide Marino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
Interests: landscape protection; urban food systems; urban–rural linkages; food systems sustainability policy monitoring and assessment; urban agriculture; food policy councils; participative processes; landscape; ecosystem services
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The United Nations have set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, UN 2030: no poverty, no hunger, good health and well-being, etc.) that require urgent measures from all countries of the world. Some of these goals, i.e., SDG2, SDG3, SDG4, SDG5, SDG11, SDG12, SDG16, can be also achieved with the contribution of individual action or the initiative of people organized in groups, communities or collectives. What are the human actions that can enable the achievement of these goals? These actions, in addition to political decisions or economic interventions, can also concern individual behaviors or involvements by communities, groups or collectives. Many studies in different disciplinary fields are trying to understand which factors of human life have a role in achieving these goals. Research questions could include: which individual or social factors can have an impact on the eradication of poverty or elimination of hunger in the world? What are the individual or collective actions needed to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls? What are people’s and society’s perceptions and motivations to promote good health and well-being? What individual or social interventions ensure inclusive education?

The purpose of this Special Issue is to identify individual psychological or behavioral aspects and collective, social, cultural or group factors which should be investigated to improve the knowledge on how to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

This Special Issue aims to present scientific contributions addressing recent empirical and theoretical analysis of the role of individual aspects (e.g., values, motivations, regulatory foci, behaviors) and/or collective factors (e.g., action, orientation, culture, group identity) in the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Therefore, all types of papers are welcome: conceptual, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, intervention evaluations, qualitative and quantitative studies, and correlational and experimental research. The goal is to attract studies that address such issues, both from a general perspective and in relation to specific domains.

Prof. Dr. Fridanna Maricchiolo
Dr. Oriana Mosca
Prof. Dr. Davide Marino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • food security and sustainable agriculture
  • health and wellbeing
  • individual and interdependent wellbeing
  • inclusive and equitable quality education
  • gender equality
  • resilient communities
  • sustainable and pro-environmental behaviors
  • peace, justice and strong institutions
  • collective actions
  • individual motives and behaviors
  • social psychology (group identification, inter-group relations)

Published Papers (20 papers)

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21 pages, 3088 KiB  
Article
Basic Psychological Needs, Good Societal Development and Satisfaction with Life: The Mediating Role of the Environment
by Oriana Mosca, Alessandro Milani, Ferdinando Fornara, Andrea Manunza, Kuba Krys and Fridanna Maricchiolo
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13794; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813794 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1445
Abstract
Seminal work on laypeople’s perspectives on societal development is the foundation of our renovated interest in good development and its relationship with well-being. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between individual basic psychological needs satisfaction, people’s visions of good societal development [...] Read more.
Seminal work on laypeople’s perspectives on societal development is the foundation of our renovated interest in good development and its relationship with well-being. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between individual basic psychological needs satisfaction, people’s visions of good societal development in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, and well-being in terms of Satisfaction with Life. To reach this aim, we administered an online survey to a general sample (N = 206, F = 69.4% M = 28.6%, mean age of 33.39 years, and sd = 12.33) with different measures: (a) 3 Basic Psychological Needs (i.e., Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence) Satisfaction Scale; (b) an ad hoc built Attitude towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Scale; (c) Satisfaction with Life Scale. We conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) on the scale about attitudes toward the SDGs, correlation analyses between the investigated variables, and a series of mediation analyses with the three basic psychological needs satisfaction as IVs, the factors emerging from the EFA as mediators (i.e., Environment, Equity, Health) and Satisfaction with Life as the DV. The results showed that only the Environment component of the SDGs Scale mediated the relation between Basic Psychological Needs and Satisfaction with Life. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of different theoretical frameworks, like the Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT), the Person-Culture fit theory, and the Affordances Theory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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20 pages, 1960 KiB  
Article
Students’ Perspectives on Entrepreneurship and Its Intention in India
by Sudhir Kumar Soam, Surya Rathore, Basavapatna Subbanna Yashavanth, Thammi Raju Dhumantarao, Rakesh S. and Raghupathi Balasani
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10488; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310488 - 03 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2149
Abstract
The present study was carried out with the objective of understanding the stated interest of agricultural students in entrepreneurship and to provide an accurate research report for decision-makers, for developing entrepreneurship in India. In the present investigation, a two-stage sampling procedure was employed. [...] Read more.
The present study was carried out with the objective of understanding the stated interest of agricultural students in entrepreneurship and to provide an accurate research report for decision-makers, for developing entrepreneurship in India. In the present investigation, a two-stage sampling procedure was employed. In the first stage, cluster sampling was used to select the state agricultural universities (SAUs) in India. In the second stage, simple random sampling was performed to select student respondents from each SAU. Data were collected from 1797 agricultural students (second stage units) from 17 SAUs out of 74 (first stage units) studying a bachelor’s/master’s degree program and analyzed to infer outcomes related to entrepreneurship. Variables such as basic information, job interest, motivational factors, hurdles to becoming an entrepreneur, awareness about government schemes, and essential hard and soft skills were measured. Data were analyzed using frequencies, chi-square test (X2), rank-based quotient (RBQ), and binary logistic regression (BLR) analyses. The survey results revealed that “entrepreneurship” was given a lower preference by the majority; as a result, there was less motivation for students from family members. However, about 78% of students showed interest in becoming an entrepreneur. Significant areas of entrepreneurial interest for the observed students included, in order are digital agriculture < input production < marketing < farming < advisory services < dairying < financial services < poultry < developing eLearning material for farmers < and other jobs. This study demonstrates the need for Career Development Centers (CDCs), government support, and awareness and incentives regarding entrepreneurship through effective policy interventions, to protect entrepreneurs from the potential risk of business losses. This research outcome substantially contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-4, quality education), through the soft skill development of the students, resulting in innovative agri-entrepreneurs. The present research suggested some policy implications to promote entrepreneurship more widely, which may also help other developing countries to frame potential regulations for agricultural education and entrepreneurial activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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21 pages, 820 KiB  
Article
Promote Well-Being and Innovation in Sustainable Organizations: The Role of Job Crafting as Mediator
by Marina Mondo, Gianfranco Cicotto, Jessica Pileri, Ester Cois and Silvia De Simone
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8899; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118899 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1311
Abstract
Job satisfaction and affective commitment are key factors for individual and organizational well-being. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of job crafting, a behavior capable of generating positive results and innovation in the workplace. Using the JD-R model as the theoretical framework, the [...] Read more.
Job satisfaction and affective commitment are key factors for individual and organizational well-being. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of job crafting, a behavior capable of generating positive results and innovation in the workplace. Using the JD-R model as the theoretical framework, the present study investigated the relationship between resources and demands, derived from both the work and family domains, and job satisfaction and affective commitment, hypothesizing the mediating role of job crafting. The sample consisted of 413 employees. Results showed that job crafting fully mediated the relationship between work-family conflict and job Satisfaction and partially mediated the relationship between supervisor support and job satisfaction. These results confirm the importance of social support, a good balance between work and family and job crafting in generating job satisfaction and influencing positive outcomes at individual, work and organizational levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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22 pages, 557 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Perceived Barriers to Career Advancement: A Study with a Sample of Italian University Students
by Mara Marini, Stefano Livi, Laura Prislei, Chiara Parisse, Alessandra Cecalupo, Federica Scarci and Guido Benvenuto
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8874; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118874 - 31 May 2023
Viewed by 1749
Abstract
The goals established by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the new needs that globalization has created, have prompted researchers to examine young people’s educational and professional experiences in the context of economic and social disadvantages, considering agency capacities and psychological factors. [...] Read more.
The goals established by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the new needs that globalization has created, have prompted researchers to examine young people’s educational and professional experiences in the context of economic and social disadvantages, considering agency capacities and psychological factors. Following these research interests, this study aimed to evaluate Italian university students’ perceptions of socioeconomic barriers to achieving professional goals and the effects of these perceived barriers on some indicators of adaptation. The study included 401 Italian university students (M = 24.18, SD = 3.33). The results demonstrated that economic constraints can be a psychological barrier to career advancement by negatively influencing the perception of being able to actively choose one’s professional future and by diminishing the psychological resources required to adapt to complex environments. In turn, this can indirectly affect the perceived gap between a person’s career goals and their progress toward achieving them, thereby impeding their adaptation processes. The implications of the research are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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22 pages, 1345 KiB  
Article
Analyzing and Prioritizing the Barriers and Solutions of Sustainable Agriculture for Promoting Sustainable Development Goals in China
by Jiangning Cao and Yasir Ahmed Solangi
Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8317; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108317 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2335
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture is crucial to the United Nations’ efforts to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, to develop successful policies and strategies, it is necessary to assess the many obstacles to implementing sustainable agriculture. This study uses Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques [...] Read more.
Sustainable agriculture is crucial to the United Nations’ efforts to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, to develop successful policies and strategies, it is necessary to assess the many obstacles to implementing sustainable agriculture. This study uses Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to analyze the challenges and opportunities facing sustainable agriculture in China’s economy, particularly in advancing the SDGs. Three enormous obstacles are found in the study, along with fifteen smaller ones that are broken down into economic, social, and environmental categories. The weights of the obstacles and sub-barriers are determined, and the solutions for sustainable agriculture are ranked using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) methodologies. According to the AHP approach, economic issues are China’s most significant obstacles to sustainable agriculture, followed by environmental and social concerns. Climate change and a lack of financial incentives are the two highest-ranked sub-barriers. On the other hand, the SAW approach suggests that the best ways to achieve the SDGs through sustainable agriculture are through international cooperation, financial investments in sustainable agriculture, and alternative agricultural methods. In order to advance sustainable agriculture and the SDGs in China, the report advises policymakers to focus on strengthening institutional support, increasing public awareness, and making technological investments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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16 pages, 1297 KiB  
Article
Can Food Safety Practices and Knowledge of Raw Fish Promote Perception of Infection Risk and Safe Consumption Behavior Intentions Related to the Zoonotic Parasite Anisakis?
by Uberta Ganucci Cancellieri, Giulia Amicone, Lavinia Cicero, Alessandro Milani, Oriana Mosca, Marialetizia Palomba, Simonetta Mattiucci and Marino Bonaiuto
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097383 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2127
Abstract
The study of the zoonotic parasites of the genus Anisakis and human anisakiasis is an increasingly hot topic in evolutionary biology and epidemiological studies carried out on natural and accidental (human) hosts, given the risk of this parasite to human health. However, the [...] Read more.
The study of the zoonotic parasites of the genus Anisakis and human anisakiasis is an increasingly hot topic in evolutionary biology and epidemiological studies carried out on natural and accidental (human) hosts, given the risk of this parasite to human health. However, the assessment of social-psychological factors relevant to Anisakis’ risky consumption of human behavior is still an understudied topic. Given the centrality of the topic, highlighted by its presence in Goals 2 (subgoal 2.1, achieve food security and improve safe nutrition) and 3 (health and well-being) of the 2030 Agenda, it appears necessary to deepen our social-psychological knowledge regarding this specific topic. There is plenty of psychological research focused on antecedents of fish and seafood consumption; however, parasite risk is not often specifically examined. This research is aimed at increasing the safety of consumers’ seafood products by examining their psychological aspects, such as knowledge, perception, awareness, and concern about Anisakis. Past and future behavior intentions were also investigated. Analyses were carried out on a sample of 251 subjects, and a path analysis model was used to explain possible relations assumed among the variables. The results of the study showed that habits related to raw fish consumption and self-perceived health were, respectively, positively, and negatively correlated with a higher perceived risk of contracting anisakiasis. This perceived risk in turn correlates positively with a greater willingness to pay for Anisakis-free fish. Similarly, prior knowledge of the disease was found to be associated with prior avoidance of fish consumption, which in turn was found to be positively correlated with a greater willingness to pay for Anisakis-free fish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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12 pages, 445 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Environmental Attitude-Behaviour Gap: The Moderating Role of Dispositional Mindfulness
by Serena Lidia Colombo, Salvatore Gaetano Chiarella, Antonino Raffone and Luca Simione
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7285; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097285 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2359
Abstract
Great scientific effort has been devoted to understanding what drives pro-environmental behaviour, yet the question of the environmental attitude–behaviour gap remains unanswered. Studies have indicated that self-regulation and executive functions may reduce such a gap by increasing individuals’ ability to maintain attention on [...] Read more.
Great scientific effort has been devoted to understanding what drives pro-environmental behaviour, yet the question of the environmental attitude–behaviour gap remains unanswered. Studies have indicated that self-regulation and executive functions may reduce such a gap by increasing individuals’ ability to maintain attention on present actions and to resist goal-conflicting temptations. Given the inherent association of self-regulation and executive functions with dispositional mindfulness, we carried out a cross-sectional study to test the hypothesis of the role of dispositional mindfulness in explaining the phenomenon. Our results showed that higher levels of dispositional mindfulness, measured via the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), are related to a higher tendency to perform pro-environmental behaviour, and that the observing facet of the construct would predict higher pro-environmental behaviour scores. Interestingly, we also found the acting with awareness and nonjudging factors to be moderators of the relationship between pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours, suggesting that enhanced awareness of the present moment may favour higher congruence between attitudes and behaviours, and that higher acceptance may favour more adaptive coping strategies to the climate challenge. Our findings provide a novel contribution to the understanding of the relationship between mindfulness and pro-environmental behaviour and support the perspective that self-regulation skills would contribute to reducing the environmental attitude–behaviour gap. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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22 pages, 350 KiB  
Article
A Highly Condensed Social Fact: Food Citizenship, Individual Responsibility, and Social Commitment
by Letizia Bindi and Angelo Belliggiano
Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6881; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086881 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1894
Abstract
The paper is based on the crucial value of food as “a condensed social fact”. The analysis focuses on food narratives, responsible consumption, battles for the food emancipation of subaltern and low-income subjects, and attention to the quality, fairness, and traceability of food [...] Read more.
The paper is based on the crucial value of food as “a condensed social fact”. The analysis focuses on food narratives, responsible consumption, battles for the food emancipation of subaltern and low-income subjects, and attention to the quality, fairness, and traceability of food products as an expression of individual agency, as well as an expression of public engagement with food democracy/citizenship conflicts and frictions. Preliminarily, the paper moves from a discussion of collective agency on food strategies and representations to a critical approach to food democracy and sustainable society. This public arena for food debates is then confronted with personal behaviors embodying food citizenship in the contemporary scenario of socio-economic and environmental transition. The paper addresses the following sustainable development goals: responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), ending hunger, food security, improved nutrition, sustainable agriculture (SDG 2), and health and well-being (SDG 3). Starting from the democratic/neoliberal dichotomy, the paper will consider food governmentality as a positive alternative to food emancipation and democracy, as well as a personal need and a neo-communitarian political approach opposed to agroindustry and food consumerism and dispossession. Three case studies, all situated in the central–southern Italian region of Molise, will discuss different models of food citizenship and governmentality, as well as the relationship between individual responsibility and desires and collective commitment and perspectives. These issues will be framed within a rural economy paradigm and articulated through an ethnographic methodology: local data collection, emic/ethic representations, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. This long-term observation has been realized in the framework of several projects that were coordinated and developed by the authors, who worked for several years in the regional territory, especially on projects focusing on local/regional/national policies of sustainable rural development and bio-cultural heritage conservation and valorization according to the mission of the research center, which they founded and coordinated over the last seven years. The case studies and discussion allow for some final consideration of the impact of individual and community agencies on the achievement of SDGs, the presence of not exclusively consumeristic and hedonistic behaviors, and the growing attention to ecological concerns being paid food producers and distributors, as well as new forms of rural–urban circularity and entanglements aiming toward greater awareness and democratization of food access, security, and sustainable agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
18 pages, 932 KiB  
Article
Understanding Motivations for Individual and Collective Sustainable Food Consumption: A Case Study of the Galician Conscious and Responsible Consumption Network
by Isabel Lema-Blanco, Ricardo García-Mira and Jesús-Miguel Muñoz-Cantero
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054111 - 24 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1947
Abstract
Although consumer attitude towards sustainable food has increased over time, scientific research suggests that more profound comprehension is needed of the social and psychological dimensions that condition consumers’ willingness to purchase food items produced in a sustainable way. The current study attempts to [...] Read more.
Although consumer attitude towards sustainable food has increased over time, scientific research suggests that more profound comprehension is needed of the social and psychological dimensions that condition consumers’ willingness to purchase food items produced in a sustainable way. The current study attempts to understand the individual motivations that drive conscious consumption, in both the individual and collective spheres, expressed through joining a local social innovation in the food domain. A multi-method design was used, which combined participatory observation, document analysis, and twenty-six in-depth interviews with members of eight local food consumption initiatives located in the Galician region (Spain). The findings reveal that sustainable food purchasing is driven by the individual’s motivation to maintain a healthy diet, pro-environmental and social values, environmental awareness, and attachment to Galician rural areas. Concerning motivations underlying people’s willingness to engage in conscious and responsible consumption initiatives, the first reason relates to the fulfilment of basic needs (affordability and accessibility to organic, low-carbon, and fair-trade goods), followed by sociopolitical goals and the aspiration to satisfying social and psychological needs such as the need for connectedness or the desire for autonomy and control over one’s purchasing decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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16 pages, 354 KiB  
Article
The Physical Environment in Remote Working: Development and Validation of Perceived Remote Workplace Environment Quality Indicators (PRWEQIs)
by Alessandro Lorenzo Mura, Silvia Ariccio, Teresa Villani, Flavia Bonaiuto and Marino Bonaiuto
Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 2858; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15042858 - 04 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2322
Abstract
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more organizations have implemented remote working, resulting in a partial overlap between home and work environments. This study aimed to develop a tool named Perceived Remote Workplace Environment Quality Indicators (PRWEQIs) to study the [...] Read more.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more organizations have implemented remote working, resulting in a partial overlap between home and work environments. This study aimed to develop a tool named Perceived Remote Workplace Environment Quality Indicators (PRWEQIs) to study the impact of the remote work environment on worker well-being. A preliminary 20-item version was developed. In Study 1, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on a sample of remote students (N = 521); the results were confirmed in Study 2 through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) on a sample of remote workers (N = 463). The final 15-item PRWEQIs include five indicators, Acoustic comfort, Visual comfort, Quality of the furnishings, Safety, and Space usability, and a second-order factor referring to General perceived comfort. The scale constitutes an initial instrument for assessing the perception of the physical-spatial qualities of the remote working environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
18 pages, 1348 KiB  
Article
Perceived Psychological Restorativeness in Relation to Individual and Environmental Variables: A Study Conducted at Poetto Beach in Sardinia, Italy
by Monica Bolognesi, Enrico Toffalini and Francesca Pazzaglia
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032794 - 03 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1389
Abstract
This study examines how objective, social, and perceived environmental conditions in a blue space are associated with the perception of psychological restorativeness. We collected data between April 2021 and February 2022 at Poetto Beach in Sardinia, Italy. The participants (N = 255) completed [...] Read more.
This study examines how objective, social, and perceived environmental conditions in a blue space are associated with the perception of psychological restorativeness. We collected data between April 2021 and February 2022 at Poetto Beach in Sardinia, Italy. The participants (N = 255) completed a survey about perceived environmental quality, stress, weather, and restorativeness during their stay at the beach. We used linear models to evaluate the association between psychological restorativeness and social, environmental, and weather parameters. We also analyzed the nature of the association between temperature and restorativeness by viewing this relation as both linear and non-linear and by evaluating the differences in restorativeness between winter, springtime, and summer. The results suggested that the participants viewed the beach as psychologically restorative, especially during the winter season. We also found that the number of people that participants came with was negatively associated with perceived restorativeness. Finally, the results from the correlation analysis revealed that people are less stressed if they go to the beach more frequently. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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10 pages, 427 KiB  
Article
Examining the Interaction between Perceived Cultural Tightness and Prevention Regulatory Focus on Life Satisfaction in Italy
by Federico Contu, Daniela Di Santo, Conrad Baldner and Antonio Pierro
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031865 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how some specific cultural and personal factors can influence people’s life satisfaction. By embracing an interactionist perspective, we hypothesized that perceiving one’s social environment as culturally tight (greater strength of social norms) can “match” with regulatory prevention focus [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate how some specific cultural and personal factors can influence people’s life satisfaction. By embracing an interactionist perspective, we hypothesized that perceiving one’s social environment as culturally tight (greater strength of social norms) can “match” with regulatory prevention focus (focus on safety following guidelines and rules) resulting in increased life satisfaction. This study relied on a cross-sectional design with 472 participants residing in Italy who filled out a questionnaire with self-report measures of perceived cultural tightness of their place of residence, and well-validated measurement scales of prevention focus and life satisfaction. A moderated multiple regression model revealed that regulatory prevention focus moderated the relationship between perceived cultural tightness and life satisfaction in such a way that the relationship was positive in high (vs. low) prevention focus. Therefore, results confirmed our match hypothesis that individuals’ perception of tight social norms where they reside is associated with higher life satisfaction, particularly in those who are highly focused on prevention. These findings provide insight into identifying possible interactions of perceived culture and regulatory focus on subjective well-being within an Italian sample. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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16 pages, 901 KiB  
Article
Narcissism and Pro-Environmental Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Self-Monitoring, Environmental Control and Attitudes
by Mircea Cătălin Dîrțu and Oara Prundeanu
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021571 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4101
Abstract
The need to protect and preserve the environment is an important concern, and the behavioral change in order to obtain behaviors positively oriented towards the environment is sometimes difficult to achieve. There are multiple factors that influence people’s actions against the environment, but [...] Read more.
The need to protect and preserve the environment is an important concern, and the behavioral change in order to obtain behaviors positively oriented towards the environment is sometimes difficult to achieve. There are multiple factors that influence people’s actions against the environment, but individualistic and egocentric tendencies (i.e., grandiose and vulnerable narcissism) may negatively impact pro-environmental behavior. This article expands existing research by providing a closer look at the mechanisms by which individuals with grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic tendencies self-monitor, make attributions about environmental problems, and embrace the new ecological paradigm, as well as their pro-environmental behaviors. Using a convenience sample (N = 945), two mediation models were tested to assess the effect of narcissism on pro-environmental behavior, mediated by self-monitoring, environmental control, and environmental attitudes. Results indicated that both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism negatively correlated with environmental control, but only grandiose narcissism negatively correlated with environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior. Furthermore, mediation analyses results revealed that only environmental control significantly mediated the relationship between narcissism types and pro-environmental behavior. The discussion focuses on the implications of narcissistic features on pro-environmental behavior. Ecological campaigns should aim to increase individual control and include strategies that stimulate narcissistic individuals to self-enhance and recognize their responsibility when they produce significant changes in the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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20 pages, 1950 KiB  
Article
Agenda 2030 and COVID-19: A Young Consumer’s Perception of Sustainable Consumption
by Maria Francesca Renzi, Veronica Ungaro, Laura Di Pietro, Roberta Guglielmetti Mugion and Maria Giovina Pasca
Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15627; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315627 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1906
Abstract
COVID-19 threatens sustainable development and is a potential opportunity for downsizing the consumer economy. The virus’s impacts on society are still unclear and additional contributions are required to investigate its effects on sustainable consumer behaviours. The paper aims to evaluate consumers’ awareness regarding [...] Read more.
COVID-19 threatens sustainable development and is a potential opportunity for downsizing the consumer economy. The virus’s impacts on society are still unclear and additional contributions are required to investigate its effects on sustainable consumer behaviours. The paper aims to evaluate consumers’ awareness regarding the emergency impacts on the 2030 Agenda SDGs achievement and sustainable consumption (SDG 12) in terms of societal and environmentally responsible behaviour. A qualitative study is planned to reach the research goal and 133 in-depth consumer interviews are performed. The sample is composed of young students informed on sustainability topics and issues. The thematic analysis is used to assess the data. The paper contributes to the existing literature about the 2030 Agenda and young consumers’ sustainable behaviours by identifying the goal perceived by respondents as most negatively and positively impacted by the crisis and detecting those that can help overcome the emergency. Five themes (Social factors, Knowledge, Habits, Values, and Price) describing the main young consumer behaviour dimensions influenced by COVID-19 and lockdown in sustainability and social responsibility are detected. A theoretical framework is proposed to describe the effects of the five themes on sustainable behaviours. Finally, a roadmap for future research is identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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18 pages, 632 KiB  
Article
Behind the Lines of #MeToo: Exploring Women’s and Men’s Intentions to Join the Movement
by Michela Menegatti, Silvia Mazzuca, Stefano Ciaffoni and Silvia Moscatelli
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12294; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912294 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2988
Abstract
Campaigns supporting victims of gender harassment and abuse, such as #MeToo, have made and still make significant contributions to achieving the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal aimed at eliminating “all forms of violence against all women”. In two correlational studies, we examined possible [...] Read more.
Campaigns supporting victims of gender harassment and abuse, such as #MeToo, have made and still make significant contributions to achieving the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal aimed at eliminating “all forms of violence against all women”. In two correlational studies, we examined possible antecedents of people’s willingness to participate in the #MeToo campaign by focusing on the role of ambivalent beliefs toward women and men and the perceived effects of the movement. Men (Study 1) and women (Study 2) were asked to answer questions concerning hostile and benevolent beliefs about women and men, respectively, their perception of the beneficial and detrimental effects of #MeToo, and their intentions to participate in the campaign. Study 1 showed that men’s hostile sexism toward women was associated with fewer intentions to actively support the #MeToo campaign and that the reduced beliefs that the movement had beneficial effects mediated this relation. Study 2 revealed that women’s stronger benevolent beliefs about men were associated with decreased perception that the #MeToo campaign had a beneficial impact. In turn, such a perception was related to lower intentions to participate in supporting the campaign. Moreover, women’s hostility toward men explained the intention to join the #MeToo movement through the mediation of the perception that the campaign was beneficial. The findings suggest that to foster participation in a feminist movement that promotes women’s rights, it is necessary to eradicate traditional gender roles and the related ideologies that legitimate men’s dominant position in society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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13 pages, 314 KiB  
Article
Academic Aspirations and Dropout Intentions in the Perspective of Positive Youth Development: Protective Factors in Adolescence
by Federica Zava, Marco Barbaresi, Elena Cattelino and Giovanni Maria Vecchio
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11591; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811591 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2062
Abstract
Early school leaving is a problem that, especially in adolescence, can lead to maladaptive development. It is, therefore, essential provide quality, equitable, and inclusive education. Following the Positive Youth Development perspective, the aim of this study was to identify the possible strengths and [...] Read more.
Early school leaving is a problem that, especially in adolescence, can lead to maladaptive development. It is, therefore, essential provide quality, equitable, and inclusive education. Following the Positive Youth Development perspective, the aim of this study was to identify the possible strengths and resources of adolescents. Specifically, we analyzed three protective factors of school dropout intentions and academic aspirations: positivity, self-efficacy for self-regulated learning (SESRL), and school engagement. The participants in the present study were N = 260 ninth-grade students (M = 14.36, SD = 0.78, 204 boys) that were recruited in two Technical high schools in the center of Italy. There were two multiple hierarchical regression analyses that were carried out, considering academic aspirations and intentions to drop out of school as dependent variables. Hierarchical regression models highlighted that positivity, SESRL, and school engagement have significant and positive roles in school aspirations. Moreover, positivity and SESRL were negatively associated with intention to drop out of school. These results have pivotal implications in the prevention and promotion of interventions, suggesting the importance of building positive orientation and self-efficacy for self-regulated learning, and school engagement in the classroom context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
21 pages, 1347 KiB  
Article
Energy Transition Narratives in Spain: A Case Study of As Pontes
by Nachatter Singh Garha, Ricardo Garcia Mira and Fernando González-Laxe
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11177; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811177 - 07 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
The energy transition is one of the most important processes of the last decade in Spain, affecting all aspects of life (social, political, economic and demographic). Its main objective is to eventually replace the fossil-fuel-based energy matrix with renewable energy sources to avoid [...] Read more.
The energy transition is one of the most important processes of the last decade in Spain, affecting all aspects of life (social, political, economic and demographic). Its main objective is to eventually replace the fossil-fuel-based energy matrix with renewable energy sources to avoid climate change and meet sustainable development goals. This transition has affected a large number of population groups and institutions in carbon-intensive regions such as As Pontes, who are the main stakeholders in this process. These stakeholders have generated different narratives around the implementation of decarbonization policies and their short- and long-term impacts on the local population and the territory. These narratives affect the acceptance and pace of implementation of decarbonization measures and policies adopted by national and regional governments. Based on a qualitative analysis of published material (press articles, policy reports published by central and regional governments, reports published by environmental groups, financial institutions and large companies), this article first identifies the different stakeholders involved in the decarbonization process and maps them according to their power and interest in the energy transition process and then highlights the prevalent energy transition narratives, with their impact on the pace of the energy transition in Spain, focusing on the case of As Pontes. The results show that the narratives propagated by different stakeholders have a great impact on the acceptance of the decarbonization policies and measures adopted by the central government and the pace of the energy transition in different parts of Spain, including the region of As Pontes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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15 pages, 533 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Medical-Psychological Approach in the Routine Care of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study to Explore the Clinical and Economic Sustainability of the Healthcare Intervention
by Mara Lastretti, Manuela Tomai, Natalia Visalli, Francesco Chiaramonte, Renata Tambelli and Marco Lauriola
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13182; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313182 - 28 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2202
Abstract
The economic burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a challenge for sustainability. Psychological factors, healthy behaviors, and stressful conditions are predictive and prognostic factors for T2DM. Focusing on psychological factors can reduce costs and help ensure the sustainability of diabetes care. [...] Read more.
The economic burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a challenge for sustainability. Psychological factors, healthy behaviors, and stressful conditions are predictive and prognostic factors for T2DM. Focusing on psychological factors can reduce costs and help ensure the sustainability of diabetes care. The study aimed to support an integrated medical-psychological approach in the care of patients with T2DM. A group of patients undergoing usual healthcare treatment was compared to patients who received a psychotherapeutic intervention in addition to standard treatment. The study’s outcomes were: physical health (blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, blood lipids, blood pressure); lifestyle (cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, physical activity, body mass index); mental health (anxiety, depression, stress, coping styles, alexithymia, emotion regulation, locus of control); costs (number of referrals to a specialist, standard cost of each visit). We examined the change from baseline to 24-week follow-up. Compared to the Standard Group, the Integrated Group reported a reduction in blood lipids and triglycerides, chronic depressive and anxious mood states, patient emotional coping, and the number of specialist visits and diagnostic tests. Close collaboration between diabetologists and psychologists is feasible, and it is worth considering integrated care as an option to contain and make healthcare spending more sustainable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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17 pages, 344 KiB  
Article
Go Greener, Less Risk: Access to Nature Is Associated with Lower Risk Taking in Different Domains during the COVID-19 Lockdown
by Angelo Panno, Annalisa Theodorou, Giuseppe Alessio Carbone, Evelina De Longis, Chiara Massullo, Gianluca Cepale, Giuseppe Carrus, Claudio Imperatori and Giovanni Sanesi
Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10807; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910807 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2058
Abstract
Specific risk attitude and risky behavior had an important boost during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this contribution, we hypothesize that access to nature during home confinement will decrease both the tendency to passive risk taking and alcohol intake. To do [...] Read more.
Specific risk attitude and risky behavior had an important boost during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this contribution, we hypothesize that access to nature during home confinement will decrease both the tendency to passive risk taking and alcohol intake. To do so, we interviewed through an online survey two samples of Italian residents during the strict lockdown due to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, in Study 1, participants were 1519 Italian residents coming from different Italian regions, whilst in Study 2, participants were 182 students at a university of southern Italy who were monitored for one week. In Study 1, the hierarchical regression analysis attested that access to nature during the lockdown mitigated the tendency to passive risk taking, over and beyond the effect of socio-demographic variables and the psychological construct of impulsiveness, an important personality correlate of risk taking. In Study 2, the hierarchical regression showed that access to green was associated with fewer glasses of alcohol drunk in a week of lockdown. This effect held over and above the effect of socio-demographic variables and the drinking behavior before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In both studies, findings confirmed the beneficial effect of access to nature in specific risk-taking domains. Theoretical future directions, as well as practical implications for the management of the COVID-19 emergency by policymakers, are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)

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14 pages, 855 KiB  
Perspective
When the War Is in Your Room: A Cognitive Model of Pathological Affective Dependence (PAD) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
by Erica Pugliese, Angelo Maria Saliani, Oriana Mosca, Fridanna Maricchiolo and Francesco Mancini
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1624; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021624 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2273
Abstract
In the last decade, Pathological Affective Dependence (PAD)—as a risk factor for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)—has undergone considerable attention among clinical and social psychologists. However, the psychological nature of PAD has been described in discordant terms throughout the literature. We try to give [...] Read more.
In the last decade, Pathological Affective Dependence (PAD)—as a risk factor for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)—has undergone considerable attention among clinical and social psychologists. However, the psychological nature of PAD has been described in discordant terms throughout the literature. We try to give a clear definition of the construct (1), theorize a first cognitive model of PAD (2), and describe the prototypical characteristics of a pathological affective dependent (in terms of goals, anti-goals, and dysfunctional self-other beliefs) based on goal-oriented theories (3). We finally present (4) the resulting specific TADs (typical affective dependent) profiles (Saver, Unworthy, Traumatic, and Mixed). We believe that our manuscript on the PAD makes a significant contribution to achieve the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal aimed at eliminating “all forms of violence against all women”: in fact, understanding the psychological risk factors of IPV as PAD is an essential protective factor for designing effective prevention social strategies against IPV. Moreover, this work contributes to achieving one of the “outcome targets” of the sixteenth UN Sustainable Development Goal. It is dedicated to the promotion of “peaceful and inclusive societies”, through the reduction of all forms of violence and the protection of children from abuse. Indeed, IPV strongly affects (physical and mental) health and social sustainability of well-being. However, empirical studies on this topic are limited and there is a lack of a theoretical model of PAD. This work represents a theoretical starting point for a broader project aimed at building a cognitive-behavioral protocol and social interventions for the reduction of negative consequences on IPV victims. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual and Collective Factors in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals)
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