Editor-in-Chief
Prof. Dr. Paola Magnano
Kore University of Enna
Italy
Prof. Dr. Gabriela Topa
Social and organizational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia
Spain
Environment and Social Psychology
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2424-8975 (Online) Journal Abbreviation: Environ. Soc. Psychol. |
Environment and Social Psychology (ESP) is an international open-access academic journal dedicated to publishing highly professional research in all fields related to the relationship between environment and social psychology. All manuscripts are subjected to a rigorous double-blind peer review process, to ensure quality and originality. We are interested in the original research discoveries. This journal also features a wide range of research in ancillary areas relevant to social psychology. ESP publishes original research articles, review articles, editorials, case reports, letters, brief commentaries, perspectives, methods, etc. ESP aims to explore the connections between the environment and human condition, and enhance the environment protection consciousness and behaviors that are crucial to achieve the goals of sustainable development and human development. The research topics of ESP include but are not limited to:
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Notice: The ownership of Environment and Social Psychology (ESP) has been transferred from Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd. to Arts and Science Press Pte. Ltd. The new publisher will publish this journal starting from Volume 9, Issue 7 of 2024. Contributors should make submissions to the new journal system (https:/esp.as-pub.com/index.php/esp) from March 25, 2024. Authors of previous submissions can track the publication progress through the original journal system. | |
ISSN: Vol. 10 No. 4 (2025): Publishing
Table of Contents
Open AccessResearch Articles
by Xiaofang Jin, Azizah Omar
2025,10(4);
58 Views
Abstract
Growing environmental concerns and the rising demand for sustainable consumption have driven research into consumer behaviour toward recycled clothing. Understanding purchase intentions is essential for advancing sustainable fashion, particularly in emerging markets like China. This study applies an expanded Knowledge-Attitude-Behaviour (KAB) framework, integrating perceived value and perceived responsibility to examine key factors influencing Chinese consumers' willingness to buy recycled clothing. A quantitative approach was used, collecting 597 responses via structured online surveys and analysed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that environmental apparel knowledge, perceived value, and perceived responsibility significantly influence purchase intention, with perceived value (β = 0.54) emerging as the strongest mediator, while environmental apparel knowledge (β = 0.42) and perceived responsibility (β = 0.37) exert direct effects. This study extends the KAB model by demonstrating the mediating roles of perceived value and responsibility, offering new theoretical insights into sustainable consumption. By focusing on Chinese consumers, this study provides a culturally relevant perspective on sustainable fashion adoption in an emerging market, enhancing the applicability of the KAB model in non-Western contexts. The findings highlight the importance of economic and social benefits in promoting recycled clothing, offering practical implications for businesses and policymakers. Future research should explore diverse populations and methodological approaches to improve the model’s generalizability.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Wei Lin
2025,10(4);
26 Views
Abstract
As a precious intangible cultural heritage, Jiexi string puppet theater faces multiple challenges in its script protection and development. From the perspectives of psychological driving mechanism and cultural space reconstruction, this paper explores the internal motivation and external environment reshaping that promote the sustainable development of this traditional art form. The study shows that cultural identity, emotional connection and sense of cultural mission are the core psychological driving factors that promote the participation of local residents and external forces in script conservation. At the same time, through the reconstruction of cultural space and the optimization of material carriers and non-material forms, not only the dissemination efficacy of scripts is enhanced, but also the sense of cultural identity of the community is strengthened. We propose a synergistic mechanism of conservation and development, emphasizing the retention of traditional authenticity while encouraging innovation and adaptability to the times. Through the systematic collection of basic parameters, inheritance behaviors and revitalization effects, combined with the algorithm design of advanced, we realized the dynamic analysis of cultural genes and intelligent decision-making of spatial adaptation. Finally, the study provides theoretical support and practical path for the sustainable development of Jiexi puppet show, forming a closed-loop ecosystem of "psychological identity-behavioral participation-space revitalization".
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Feifei Chen, Jianpeng Li, Hsin-Chang Yu, Pengfei Chen, Yingying Xia
2025,10(4);
32 Views
Abstract
Background: As a key way to promote the physical and mental health of college students, the relationship between leisure sports and happiness has become the focus of social attention.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of college students' fluency in leisure sports activities on their happiness, and explore the moderating effect of leisure satisfaction.
Results: The questionnaire survey method was adopted to select 589 college students by stratified sampling. The data were collected using the fluency scale, happiness scale and leisure satisfaction scale of leisure sports activities, and statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS software. The results show that fluency positively predicted happiness (β=.510, p<.001). Furthermore, leisure satisfaction significantly moderates this relationship, with higher leisure satisfaction amplifying the positive effect of fluency on happiness (ΔR² =.117, p < .01).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of fostering fluency states in leisure sports to enhance college students' happiness, particularly when coupled with high leisure satisfaction. Universities and sports organizers should create a positive sports culture atmosphere and build a social psychological environment supporting college students to participate in sports activities, so as to help college students gain a sense of fluency in leisure sports activities, improve their happiness, and promote their physical and mental health. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by John M. Tan
2025,10(4);
76 Views
Abstract
There is growing attention towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving students’ writing performance. In this qualitative exploration, perceptions of higher education institution (HEI) teachers regarding the effect of AI support on writing quality and performance outcomes are undertaken. There were 25 teachers from Samar, Philippines surveyed to explore the perceived benefits and challenges of using AI tools in the writing process. Findings indicated that AI had the potential to enhance grammar, syntax, and structure, thereby reducing writing inefficiencies and building confidence of students. In contrast, they noted that overreliance on AI was problematic, alongside the increased likelihood of academic dishonesty and the weakening of critical thinking and independent writing abilities. From these findings, the need for balance in this process surfaced as well, where AI tools supplemented traditional teaching approaches such as teacher feedback and peer review. The identified benefits included increased writing efficiency, boosted confidence, and greater student engagement in writing activities. However, challenges also emerged, such as concerns about AI accuracy in assessments, the occurrence of academic dishonesty, and the need for students to master AI command prompts. The study concluded that AI could serve as a valuable tool in supporting student writing, but it required careful introduction and an understanding of its limitations. While considering both the potential benefits and emerging issues associated with AI support, teachers were encouraged to leverage its power to enhance learning without compromising the integrity and quality of education.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Jinwen Zhang, Muhammad Rafiq, Yet Mee Lim
2025,10(4);
23 Views
Abstract
This research is grounded in the Conservation of Resources theory to examine the impact of perceived occupational stigma on the career exploration of tour guides. This research examines the mediating and moderating influence of Mianzi concern in the relationship between perceived occupational stigma and career exploration. A total of 421 valid responses were gathered from full-time tour guides in China. The research employed the Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling approach. The research demonstrated that Mianzi concern mediates the relationship between perceived occupational stigma and career exploration. However, the moderating effect of Mianzi concern was not supported. This study enhances the understanding of the impact of occupational stigma and the elements that promote external career exploration, providing insights for reducing or removing occupational stigma.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Yingying Xia, Kuan-Chun Tasi, Feifei Chen, Hsin-Chang Yu
2025,10(4);
40 Views
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) volleyball courses on the development of teamwork skills among Chinese vocational college students, framed within a social psychological perspective. A quasi-experimental design was employed involving 81 students, divided into an experimental group (n = 41) receiving a PBL-based volleyball curriculum and a control group (n = 40) taught through traditional methods. Over a 12-week intervention, data were collected using a validated teamwork skills scale encompassing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and ANCOVA, revealed that the experimental group exhibited significantly greater improvements across all dimensions of teamwork skills compared to the control group. These findings highlight the role of structured, socially interactive physical education environments in enhancing key psychosocial competencies. The study contributes to the broader discourse on how educational environments, when designed with collaborative and problem-solving frameworks, can shape student behavior, motivation, and social development. It underscores the effectiveness of integrating sports-based PBL models into vocational education as a means of cultivating teamwork, responsibility, and interpersonal coordination in young adults.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Xiafei Feng
2025,10(4);
28 Views
Abstract
This study investigates the interaction between investor sentiment and macroeconomic environment in China's real estate sector from 2013 to 2023. Using a dataset combining psychological measurements from 2,156 investors with market data from 148 listed real estate companies, we examine how monetary policy and market structure shape the transmission of emotional effects. Through empirical analysis integrating emotional psychology and behavioral finance theories, we identify three key mechanisms: (1) monetary policy environment significantly moderates emotional transmission in the market, with loose policy periods amplifying sentiment effects; (2) market structure and investor composition determine the strength of emotional contagion, showing stronger effects in retail-dominated markets; (3) social networks and institutional arrangements systematically influence how individual emotions aggregate into market-wide sentiment. Our results demonstrate that the impact of investor emotions varies substantially with macroeconomic conditions and market structure, revealing the crucial role of policy environment and institutional framework in emotional transmission. These findings provide insights for maintaining market stability through coordinated management of monetary policy, market structure, and collective sentiment.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Faiza Siddiqui, Rohani Salleh
2025,10(4);
12 Views
Abstract
United Nations' SDG goals highlighted the importance of conducting behavioral studies on employee energy usage (12th SGD Agenda) due to increasing environmental issues and global sustainability practices for current and future generations. This study aims to better understand the phenomenon of sustainable consumption behavior by incorporating pro-environmental culture and the impact of workplace spirituality. The focus and scope of this study will be on behavioral studies and organizational interactions in Malaysia's energy sector to attain environmental sustainability performance through individual employee contributions. The value-belief-norm theory of environmentalism supports the conceptual model. The study adds both theoretical and empirical knowledge to the body of knowledge, which makes it significant. The link has been analyzed in study design using quantitative methodologies. Survey-based method of primary data has been used to collect from energy sector employees. A total of 104 employees in the energy sector participated in the pilot testing. With the support of real-world implications and suggestions, practitioners and policymakers will find it simpler to comprehend behavioral phenomena and establish sustainable goals to accomplish environmental sustainability performance.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Feiyan Yang, Yudhi Arifani, Yaoping Liu, Wannaporn Siripala
2025,10(4);
59 Views
Abstract
This study explores the role of natural environments in promoting cognitive and emotional development in music education. Using a mixed-methods approach through a 12-week quasi-experimental design, the study comparatively analyzed the differential effects of music education activities conducted in natural environments versus traditional classroom settings on student development. The research subjects were 240 college students (120 in the experimental group, 120 in the control group), with data collected through scale assessments, behavioral observations, semi-structured interviews, and social network analysis. The results indicated that: (1) Natural environments significantly promoted the development of students' music cognitive abilities, particularly in auditory discrimination ability (d=0.82), musical memory ability (d=0.79), and musical creative thinking (d=0.87); (2) Music education in natural environments produced systematic effects on emotional development, especially in emotional recognition and expression abilities (d=0.91), emotional regulation ability (d=0.92), and musical empathy ability (d=0.93); (3) Different types of natural environments produced different effects on cognitive and emotional development, with water landscapes showing optimal effects for auditory discrimination and emotional recognition, while forest environments were more conducive to creative thinking and emotional expression; (4) Natural environments exertedted psychosocial influence through three mechanisms: enhancing social connection and sense of belonging, cultivating ecological music values, and developing sustainable learning motivation; (5) Environmental complexity, biodiversity, and sense of natural rhythm were the three key environmental factors affecting music cognitive and emotional development. The research results support the application of attention restoration theory and place attachment theory from environmental psychology in music education, providing empirical evidence for the mechanism of environmental factors in music education, and offering important implications for organically integrating natural environmental elements into music education practice to promote students' comprehensive development.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Dongxia Guan, Sen Gao, Li Huang, Muhammad Kamal Sabran
2025,10(4);
54 Views
Abstract
The growing prevalence of mental health challenges among Chinese college students has prompted increased interest in digital intervention strategies, particularly those utilizing video-based formats. However, the effectiveness of such interventions largely depends on their cultural relevance and sensitivity. This study investigates the critical role of cultural contexts in designing video-based mental health interventions for Chinese college students through a systematic review of existing literature. By analyzing findings from studies on mental health, cultural psychology, and digital intervention design, the research identifies key cultural factors — including stigma surrounding mental illness, collectivist values, academic pressure, and norms of emotional expression — that influence engagement and efficacy. The study proposes a culturally grounded design framework that integrates traditional and contemporary cultural elements to enhance relatability, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking behaviors. Findings suggest that culturally responsive content significantly improves user acceptance and therapeutic outcomes, offering valuable insights for the development of more effective, scalable mental health solutions in China and other collectivist societies.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Ni Xiong, Yongheng Hu, Xi Zhang, Batkhuyag Ganbaatar, Wei Zhang, Zhengbin Wang
2025,10(4);
54 Views
Abstract
To explore how the diffusion of digital technologies shapes corporate green innovation, this study uses panel data from A-share listed companies between 2007 and 2021. The empirical findings reveal that digital diffusion significantly enhances the quality, quantity, and efficiency of green innovation. The effects are heterogeneous across firms: in high-tech enterprises, digital diffusion primarily improves innovation quality, while in non-high-tech enterprises, it mainly boosts innovation quantity. Moreover, the positive effects are stronger in heavily polluting industries than in cleaner ones. Mechanism analysis suggests that digital diffusion advances green innovation by strengthening internal corporate capabilities—particularly in production, automation, R&D, and management. These enhanced capabilities lead to more efficient and higher-quality green innovation outcomes. Interestingly, the study uncovers an inverted U-shaped relationship between digital diffusion and the quantity of green innovation, implying that while early-stage diffusion stimulates innovation, its marginal benefits may decline after a certain threshold. This finding offers valuable insights into the stages of technological adoption and their varying impacts. The research provides strategic implications for both policymakers and corporate leaders. For governments, it underscores the need to balance support for digital infrastructure with regulation to avoid diminishing returns. For firms, especially those in high-pollution or low-tech sectors, the study highlights the importance of timing and scale in digital transformation strategies.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Wenda Zhou, Lijun Wang
2025,10(4);
27 Views
Abstract
Objective: This study is committed to deeply explore the influence path and internal mechanism of fitness Qigong exercise on students' subjective well-being, and simultaneously explore the basic psychological needs as an intermediary bridge. Methods: We adopted the health Qigong exercise assessment scale, the subjective well-being measurement tool, and the basic psychological demand table, and carried out a comprehensive questionnaire survey for 650 students in three different educational institutions. Subsequently, we made a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the obtained data by using the SPSS 27.0 statistical software. In order to further reveal the role of basic psychological needs in the mediation bridge between fitness Qigong exercise and subjective well-being, we further used AMOS 28.0 software to construct a structural equation model, and used the Bootstrap mediation effect test to accurately analyze the complex relationship between variables. Results: The results showed that there was a significant correlation between fitness Qigong exercise, subjective well-being and basic psychological needs. The analysis results of direct effects clearly indicated that fitness Qigong exercise has a significant direct impact on college students' subjective well-being (β =0.400, P <0.001). However, the analysis of the mediation effect further clarified that the basic psychology needs to play a partial mediation role in the influence of fitness Qigong exercise on college students' subjective wellbeing. Conclusion: Fitness Qigong exercise can not only directly enhance students 'subjective well-being, but also indirectly have a positive impact on students' subjective well-being through the mediation effect of basic psychological needs.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Jie Zhang, Ke Xu
2025,10(4);
52 Views
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of musical training on cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and executive function in children. To this end, a total of 300 children were recruited and randomly allocated to either the Musical Training Group (MTG) receiving a 6 month's musical training program or the Control Group (CG), who did not receive any musical training. The MTG participated in bi-weekly 40-minute sessions, while the CG followed their regular routines. To assess cognitive changes, a series of standardized cognitive assessments were administered before and after the intervention, including the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) for cognitive flexibility, the Stroop Test for inhibitory control, and the Tower of London Task for executive function. The results showed that the MTG experienced significant improvements in all three cognitive domains, with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 1.45 for cognitive flexibility, 0.88 for inhibitory control, and 1.47 for executive function). In contrast, the CG showed minimal or no significant changes in these cognitive measures. However, these results clearly show that musical training can positively influence the critical cognitive maturation of the children. This study contributes to the growing body of work prodding us to the understanding that musical activities can enhance the cognitive functions and highlight the role of the disciplined musical exercise in developing better executive function. For future research, the ideal occurrence and duration of training sessions that yield optimal cognitive growth with musical training are possible subjects. This study provides valuable evidence for the potential of musical training as a tool for cognitive enhancement in educational and developmental contexts.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Magna Anissa A. Hayudini, Shernahar K. Tahil, Jeanor M. Marsin, Datu Al-Mujiv A. Kiram, Alnahar A. Amirul, Angela Joy Alegado Jimpoy, Fahra B. Sahibad, Adzlan P. Hamsaji, Abdulkamal H. Abduljalil, Hermie V. Inoferio
2025,10(4);
22 Views
Abstract
The emergence of Generative AI (GenAI) programs marks a significant shift in the educational landscape, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional teaching methodologies and curricular frameworks. As education evolves, there is growing emphasis on inquiry-based learning, which prioritizes skills such as questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This article discusses how GenAI sparks curiosity among Gen Z college students, with emphasis on different learning activities applicable in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. College students (n=16) were purposively sampled to be interviewed about their experiences using GenAI and how it impacted their learning processes in STEM classrooms. Findings indicated that curiosity was notable in the educational experiences of STEM college students in GenAI-dependent classrooms, as it drives their exploration, creativity, and motivation to learn. Students exhibited strong curiosity by engaging with real-world challenges and using GenAI tools to seek answers and deepen their understanding of topics. Active learning strategies, including project-based and inquiry-based approaches, remarkably enhance students’ curiosity and engagement, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to hands-on activities and stimulate higher-order thinking. Through experiences like lab experiments and discussions about career applications of STEM knowledge, students found abstract concepts more relatable and meaningful, reinforcing their motivation. This paper highlights the need for an active, inquiry-driven learning environment that connects academic pursuits with practical applications, cultivating curiosity and enriching students’ educational experiences.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Bingqian Cheng, Zagdkhorol Bayasgalan
2025,10(4);
31 Views
Abstract
As an emerging stress management tool in the digital age, eSports exhibits significant bidirectional moderating effects in the college student population. This study integrates neurobehavioral and clinical psychological evidence to reveal that eSports participation enhances stress resilience in specific individuals through prefrontal cortex functional reinforcement and virtual social capital accumulation, but the benefits are characterized by a strict dose-dependence. Key data showed that systematic participation in team sports increased college students' stress response threshold stability by 19% and prefrontal decision-related brain region activity by 23%, while loneliness scale scores decreased by 37%. However, average weekly participation above the 18-hour threshold triggered an imbalance in the neurotransmitter system, resulting in a 37% increase in amygdala threat sensitivity, accompanied by a 27% increase in the risk of academic burnout. The study confirms that individual neuroticism constitutes a key regulatory variable: high openness groups can extract cross-domain coping strategies from e-sports experiences and transfer them 1 .9 times more efficiently than low openness groups, whereas dopaminergic reward pathway efficacy is attenuated by 42% in high openness groups, which significantly reduces stress buffering effects. A dynamic monitoring framework is proposed at the practical level, integrating HPA axis function testing with brain-derived neurotrophic factor level analysis to establish an individualized engagement protocol based on real-time biofeedback. These findings break through the binary division of traditional stress coping strategies and provide an interdisciplinary basis for higher education institutions to design precise digital mental health interventions, emphasizing the establishment of a new balanced paradigm between the development of neuroplasticity and the prevention and control of behavioral risks.
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Open AccessResearch Articles
by Diandian Zhang, Zhiqian Tan, Shaolei He
2025,10(4);
12 Views
Abstract
Leveraging the advantages of intelligent planning and management, smart city development can unlock the potential of the digital economy, enhance the efficiency of digital government services, refine data element market rules, and foster a more standardized and orderly digital business environment. Using panel data from 284 Chinese cities (2009–2021), this study employs a multi-time-point difference-in-differences model and a mediation effect model to examine the impact of smart city development on the digital business environment. The findings reveal that smart city development significantly enhances the digital business environment, a conclusion robust to various tests. Moreover, smart city initiatives indirectly improve the digital business environment by optimizing urban resource allocation and fostering talent accumulation. The impact exhibits significant heterogeneity, with city size and administrative level influencing the magnitude of the effects. Based on the empirical analysis, the policy recommendations are offered, such as strengthen digital infrastructure and improve support mechanisms, promote resource allocation optimization and strengthen the interaction between smart cities and the digital business environment, and accelerate talent aggregation and support the digital business environment.
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Announcements
Announcement about Artificial Intelligence in Academic Writing issues |
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With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT and other large language models, is becoming increasingly prevalent in research publications. Art and Science Publishing House is dedicated to continuously refining and updating its policies regarding the use of AI tools in academic writing. In alignment with COPE’s position statement on AI tools, we hereby outline the following guidelines: Authorship and Accountability AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of a manuscript. This is because AI tools cannot take responsibility for the content of a submission, nor do they possess the ability to manage copyright and licensing agreements. Transparency in Disclosure Authors who use AI tools in the preparation of their manuscripts—whether for writing, data collection, or data analysis—must transparently disclose the use of such tools. This disclosure should include: A description of how the AI tool was used. The specific AI tool(s) employed. This information should be clearly stated in either the "Methods" or "Acknowledgments" section of the manuscript. Author Responsibility Authors bear full responsibility for the content of their manuscripts, including any portions generated by AI tools or data analyzed using AI during the research process. This ensures the integrity and accuracy of the published work. Consequences of Non-Disclosure Failure to disclose the use of AI tools in a manuscript will result in serious consequences. “Environment and Social Psychology” and Art and Science reserve the right to reject or retract any submission found to have concealed the use of AI tools. These guidelines are designed to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and transparency while embracing the potential benefits of AI in research. We encourage authors to use AI tools responsibly and to provide clear and honest reporting of their use. For further clarification or questions regarding these policies, please contact our editorial office. |
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| Posted: 2025-01-20 | |
Call for papers |
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The Environment and Social Psychology (ESP) invites submissions of original research manuscripts in all areas of Environment psychology, including Human-Environment Interactions, Sustainability and Pro-Environmental Behavior, Climate Change Psychology, Restorative Environments, Urban Planning and Design, Place Attachment and Identity, Environmental Stressors and communication. Since 2022, ESP has been indexed in SCOPUS, further enhancing its visibility and academic impact. We encourage researchers interested in publishing with ESP to submit their work for consideration. We look forward to your valuable contributions to the journal. |
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| Posted: 2024-12-23 | |
Announcement of New Editor-in-Chief |
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We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Gabriela Topa as the new Editor-in-Chief of Environment and Social Psychology (ESP), effective December 1, 2024. Professor Topa, who is currently affiliated with Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) in Spain, brings a wealth of expertise in Social and Organizational Psychology to this prestigious role. Having previously served as an esteemed member of our Editorial Board, Professor Topa has demonstrated exceptional leadership and scholarly acumen. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for ESP as we continue to advance our mission of publishing cutting-edge research in social psychology and related disciplines. Environment and Social Psychology is a fully open-access journal committed to disseminating high-quality research across a broad spectrum of topics within the field. Under Professor Topa's guidance, we are confident that ESP will reach new heights of academic excellence and influence.
The ESP Editorial Team and Publisher |
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| Posted: 2024-12-01 | |
| More Announcements... |