Eco-anxiety is a complex and multifaceted construct linked with engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. However, further investigation is needed to observe the putative psychological determinants potentially supporting this kind of relationship. In line with this, the study aimed to investigate differences between individuals with and without eco-anxiety in terms of their engagement in sustainable habits by also examining the psychological determinants above in terms of readiness to change (RTC). Additionally, the study also aimed to examine potential direct and indirect associations between these variables, distinguishing among the different dimensions of eco-anxiety as well as investigating the putative mediator role of RTC. Data were collected from 501 participants through an online survey. To address the research objectives, both Student’s t-tests and network analysis (NA) were conducted. Moreover, based on NA outputs, a mediation analysis was carried out. The results pointed out that certain dimensions of eco-anxiety (e.g., rumination) are directly linked to the enactment of pro-environmental behaviors. Conversely, other dimensions (e.g., behavioral symptoms) appear to be indirectly associated with sustainable behaviors through readiness to change (RTC). Moreover, the network analysis pointed out that some eco-anxiety dimensions may act differently in support of sustainable action engagement through a gender-sensitive perspective. Finally, the mediation analysis confirmed the role of some of the RTC dimensions in mediating the link between eco-anxiety factors and pro-environmental behaviors. In conclusion, this study highlighted the multidimensional nature of eco-anxiety, suggesting that, for certain dimensions, it may be necessary to target specific psychological determinants to effectively foster pro-environmental behavioral engagement.

The challenges associated with climate change have led to the need for pro-environmental behaviors, including the consumption of sustainable novel foods. Despite the importance of sustainable food for the environment, there is still a need to further investigate the psychological determinants of consumer behavior change putatively able to promote the use of novel foods. In line with this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of readiness to change (RTC) in shaping the intention to consume sustainable foods (e.g., chia seeds and edible insects). RTC refers to a valuable construct composed of seven different dimensions, namely perceived importance of the problem/change, motivation, self-efficacy, effectiveness of proposed solution, social support, action and involvement, and perceived readiness. In keeping with this, a cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting from 1252 participants through an online and anonymous survey. In line with the aim above, a linear discriminant analysis was performed to explore potential non-linear relationships between RTC and novel food consumption. The results highlighted certain RTC dimensions (e.g., perceived importance of the problem, action, and self-efficacy) able to positively support the intention to consume novel foods (e.g., chia seeds and spirulina algae). In conclusion, the study pointed out evidence regarding psychological determinants in terms of RTC able to improve sustainable behaviors, namely the use of novel foods. In the context of sustainability, the present study represents a groundwork for the implementation of future studies in this field of research as well as the development of future policies aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging the adoption of sustainable eating behaviors.

The work aims to observe the associations between psychoactive substance use and gambling and executive functioning as well as to validate the Italian version of the "Adult Executive Functioning Inventory" (ADEXI) scale. data were collected through a representative cross-sectional study among 5,160 people (18-84 years old) called IPSAD^® (Italian Population Survey on Alcohol and Other Drugs). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed to explore the associations between ADEXI and other behaviors measured with standardized questionnaires. Cronbach α has been performed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the ADEXI scale. SEM showed that both WM and INH were correlated with problematic cannabis use (WM r = 0.112; INH r = 0.251) and gambling (WM r = 0.101; INH r = 0.168), while problematic alcohol use was correlated only with INH (r = 0.233). Cronbach α for the WM subscale was 0.833 (CI 0.826-0.840), while for INH was 0.694 (CI 0.680-0.708). results pointed out a strong correlation between addictions (substance-related and non-substance-related) and WM and INH impairments among the adult general population. Moreover, the ADEXI scale could be considered a valuable tool for general population surveys to detect working memory and inhibition characteristics.

The escalating climate crisis necessitates urgent and widespread behavioral change, particularly in transportation choices, given their significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines the relationship between dimensions of readiness to change (RTC) and pro-environmental transportation behaviors (PEB-T), exploring both linear and non-linear patterns of association. Data were collected from 807 participants via an online survey, and analyses included linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and network analysis (NA) to account for non-linear relationships and gender-specific variations. Results indicate that perceived importance of the problem consistently emerged as a critical predictor of PEB-T across all analyses and gender groups. However, other dimensions, such as motivation, effectiveness of the proposed solution, action, and perceived readiness, exhibited gender-sensitive effects. These findings advance the understanding of RTC as a determinant of PEB-T, highlighting both universal and gender-specific predictors. The study supports the hypothesis of non-linear relationships between antecedents and behaviors, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.

To counter the consequences of climate change on both planetary and human health, a greater adoption of sustainable behaviors is required. In this context, two factors emerge as potentially crucial: Readiness to Change (RTC) and environmental sensitivity. The study aimed to investigate the interaction between these two constructs and their impact on the engagement of pro-environmental behaviors and levels of eco-anxiety, in order to assess potential differences in behavioral and affective factors that may support the improvement of sustainable habits. Data were anonymously collected online from 947 participants. A Random Forest Clustering (RFC) analysis was performed as well as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to explore differences between the identified clusters in terms of sustainable behaviors and eco-anxiety. The RFC revealed the presence of seven distinct clusters and highlighted that environmental sensitivity plays a key role in defining them. Moreover, the findings showed that high RTC combined with high environmental sensitivity is associated with greater engagement in pro-environmental behaviors and higher levels of eco-anxiety. These results represent a promising groundwork for the development of both future studies in this field of research and targeted educational and awareness programs addressing the climate crisis.

The promotion of sustainability, especially with regard to social and urban sustainability (e.g., well-being and neighborhood revitalization), is mainly linked to human activities and behaviors. Notably, pro-environmental behaviors and actions that promote sustainability depend on the degree to which the individual attributes responsibility, namely, internal and external environmental locus of control (E-LOC). Moreover, from a collectivist perspective, the well-being of communities may also depend on their ability to take action to achieve sustainability goals. In keeping with this, we conducted two different studies to develop and validate (internally and externally) a new instrument that is able to assess internal and external E-LOC by also capturing a third dimension in respect of community E-LOC. In the first study, we performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) by collecting data from 694 subjects (55.3% cis females; mean age = 30.1, sd = 12.6). In the second study, we conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on a sample of 1.852 subjects (57% cis females; mean age = 27.6, sd = 11.4), which demonstrated an adequate fit to the theorized model. The final form of the instrument comprises nine items subdivided into internal, external, and community NE-LOC factors. Moreover, the results pointed out significant correlations between the NE-LOC scale and engagement in pro-environmental behaviors and attitudes, pro-environmental self-identity, readiness to change for sustainability, and eco-anxiety. Therefore, the NE-LOC scale can be considered a suitable instrument for the assessment of internal and external NE-LOC, as well as to measure the attribution of collective environmental responsibility.