Background: Human activity is recognised as a major contributor to changes in Earth’s climate, land surface, oceans, ecosystems, and biodiversity. These alterations are largely due to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, mass pollution, and land degradation. In light of these environmental challenges, examining the psychological determinants of pro-environmental behaviour has become increasingly important. Study’s Aim: To provide a comprehensive model evaluating the structural relationships among biospheric values, green self-identity, green self-efficacy, and eco-anxiety to investigate the underlying mechanisms relating to the adoption of various pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). Methods: An online self-report questionnaire was completed by 510 Italian participants (aged 18–55, M = 35.18, SD = 12.58) between November and December 2023. Data analysis was performed using R statistical software, employing Structural Equation Modelling. Results: The results indicate that eco-anxiety, green self-efficacy, and green self-identity are significant positive predictors of PEBs. Furthermore, green self-identity significantly influences eco-anxiety and green self-efficacy, while biospheric values are a major trigger for both green self-efficacy and green self-identity, but not for eco-anxiety. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while eco-anxiety can be an adaptive motivator for PEBs, biospheric values foster a green self-identity and self-efficacy, which in turn drive pro-environmental actions. The study concludes that encouraging biospheric values and strong green self-identity is crucial for promoting sustainable behaviours.

Scope: Climate change is one of the most significant threats to human health in the 21st century. Between 2030 and 2050, the number of annual deaths due to climate change, driven by human behaviour, is projected to rise by approximately 250,000. Objectives: This study aims to integrate and adapt the Pro-Environmental Behaviours Scale (PEBS) and evaluate the psychometric properties of the resulting Integrated Pro-Environmental Behaviours Scale (I-PEBS). It seeks to provide a comprehensive measure by incorporating a range of important pro-environmental behaviours and standardizing response formats, enabling the calculation of a synthetic index. Methods: A total of 510 Italian adults (54% female, aged 18–55; M = 35.2, SD = 12.6) participated in this study. Statistical distribution measures were calculated for I-PEBS items, followed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and a construct validity test. Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified an 18-item, six-factor solution, and confirmatory factor analysis showed satisfactory fit indices. Conclusions: The proposed scale has been shown to serve as a reliable and accessible instrument for the assessment of pro-environmental behaviours. This scale can be regarded as a valuable resource for researchers who seek to promote the imperative shift towards more sustainable lifestyles.

Background: In a context of profound transformation within Public Administration, the growing generational diversity of the workforce poses critical challenges to organisational well-being. While ageism is a known risk, the intersectionality of age and gender—manifesting as gendered ageism—remains an under-explored area that can significantly undermine job satisfaction and employee health. Objective: This study aimed to explore the subjective work experience of public sector employees, specifically focusing on intergenerational relations and the impact of gendered ageism. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted involving 30 employees of the Italian Public Administration, recruited via purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 38 min and analysed using a thematic analysis of elementary contexts via T-Lab software. Results: The analysis revealed four distinct thematic clusters positioned along two main factor axes (Individual/Organisation and Difficulties/Potential). The results show a dichotomy: while positive relationships with colleagues (Cluster 1) and the drive for change (Cluster 4) act as potential resources, the experience is marred by significant difficulties. These include organisational imbalances (Cluster 3) and, crucially, specific experiences of gendered ageism (Cluster 2), manifesting as stereotypes, pressure on women’s physical appearance, and exclusionary dynamics. Conclusions: The findings highlight that gendered ageism is a distinct stressor impacting workforce sustainability. Combating intersectional discrimination represents a strategic priority to safeguard well-being, retain skills, and build a healthy, resilient, and productive working environment.

Population aging and increasing longevity have radically transformed social dynamics. Older women experience “double discrimination” known as gendered ageism and linked to the intersection of age and gender. Despite the relevance of this construct, no measurement scale for it currently exists. The aim of the research was to construct and validate the Gendered Ageism Scale (GAS). In a first study ( N = 410), an initial set of items was developed; factor analyses were conducted; reliability and convergent validity were analyzed. The second study ( N = 602) tested the stability of the factor structure, invariance, and reliability. The analyses yielded a final 16-item solution comprising four factors: Work Inadequacy, Youth as a Resource, Aesthetic Rigor, and Gender Differences. Both studies confirmed a second-order hierarchical model. Full gender and age measurement invariance was confirmed. The GAS has proven to be a useful instrument for combating intersectional discrimination against older women.

The aim of the work was to achieve the Italian validation of the Succession, Identity, and Consumption Scale of Prescriptive Ageism (SIC) developed by North and Fiske. SIC is a measure of prescriptive ageism, which incorporates intergenerational tensions over practical and symbolic resources. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the scale, two studies were conducted. Study 1 included 931 Italian participants (mean age: 30.94; range: 18–67 years; 50.5% female) and was conducted to test the scale’s structure and construct validity. Study 2 comprised 1015 Italian participants (mean age: 30.73 years; age range: 18–67; 53.5% female) and investigated the scale’s structure, construct validity, and invariance by gender and age. Confirmatory factorial analyses confirmed the three-factor solution to be invariant across sex and age groups. The scale also demonstrated high internal reliability. SIC scores correlated positively with traditional measures for detecting prejudice and stereotypes towards older people. The results of the present work show that the SIC scale of Prescriptive Ageism is a valid tool for measuring prescriptive beliefs about older adults that are the basis of intergenerational tensions.

The progressive and steady aging of the global population represents one of the most significant demographic and socio-health challenges of the twenty-first century (Yamashita et al., 2017). While ...