Promotion of Environmental Engagement Through Positive Youth Development in Tanzania

Westfall, Katherine (2014) Promotion of Environmental Engagement Through Positive Youth Development in Tanzania. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Dr. Laura Johnson from Psychology, University of Mississippi.

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Abstract

With climate change and environmental degradation already having devastating effects on communities in sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing youth’s commitment to the environment and mobilizing their pro-environmental action is increasingly urgent. In this study, we explored predictors of environmental commitment and action based on a model of positive youth development. We predicted that sociodemographics, self-efficacy, connection to nature, sense of community, and club participation would predict environmental commitment and action. Tanzanian youth (N = 959) from regions across the country completed self-report measures assessing these constructs. Using a series of logistic and hierarchical multiple regressions, we were able to predict statistically significant models for civic action, environmental action and responsibility. Self-efficacy served as a specific significant predictor for all models, while gender was instrumental in both civic and environmental action outcomes. If self-efficacy serves a strong predictor of both environmental action and responsibility, Tanzanian children should be in programs that foster this aspect of youth development for a broader impact on youth’s developmental trajectories and civic participation to address environmental and related social challenges.

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