The Role of Emotional Intelligence  in Sustainability Behavior: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Ester Rada; Edwin Balila; Adrian Segovia

doi:10.58870/berj.v10i1.79

Authors

Ester Rada San Beda University, Manila, Philippines
Edwin Balila Adventist University of the Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5153-7535
Adrian Segovia Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4169-6330

Keywords:

Sustainability consciousness,, Emotional intelligence, Structural Equation Modeling Approach, Filipino Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire (FSCQ), Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Sustainability Consciousness (SC) refers to the individual's awareness of sustainable development (SD). This concept describes thoughts, opinions, or ideas (cognitive), emotions, moods or feelings (affective) that may be enduring positive or negative, fostering beliefs and actions toward social (SO), environment (EN), and economic (EC) dimensions of SD. This study examined the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in shaping sustainability behavior through sustainability knowingness and attitudes. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we analyzed data from 241 participants aged 11-18 (M = 16.84, Sd = 1.70), male and female, from partner communities of a university in Manila. Filipino Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire (F-SCQ) and self-made Emotional Intelligence questionnaire were used as instruments to achieve the objectives of the study. Results showed that all four latent variables satisfy the usual criteria for both convergent and discriminant validity. First, the measurement scales are internally consistent: Cronbach’s alpha ranges from 0.798 (BE) to 0.947 (KN), comfortably exceeding the 0.70 benchmark. Second, convergent validity is confirmed because the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) for each construct is well above the recommended 0.50 threshold, varying between 0.709 and 0.905. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that the measurement model is both reliable and valid. The results from the serial mediation analysis demonstrate that emotional intelligence significantly influences sustainability behavior through the mediating roles of sustainability knowingness and sustainability attitude. Specifically, Emotional Intelligence has a significant indirect effect on Sustainability Attitude through Sustainability Knowingness (β = .280, t = 4.81, p < .001), suggesting that greater emotional intelligence enhances individuals’ knowledge about sustainability, which in turn strengthens their attitudes toward it. These findings emphasize the need for sustainability programs that integrate both cognitive and affective approaches to enhance pro-sustainability behaviors.

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