Socio-physical environmental factors and sustainable behaviour as indicators of family positivity / Factores ambientales socio-físicos y conducta sostenible como indicadores de positividad familiar

Abstract

Based on the theory that a positive environment meets human needs whilst at the same time it stimulates engagement in environmentally protective behaviours, this study empirically tested a model of family positivity, considering the responses given by 200 Mexican interviewees in a research survey. In the model, a series of positive characteristics pertaining to the home (privacy, pleasant temperature, lack of noise, cleanliness) constituted a positive physical environmental factor for the family, whereas positive social family atmosphere comprised indicators of affection and intimacy and a democratic style of relations between the members. The model also included a factor pertaining to sustainable behaviours, created through the reporting of pro-environmental, frugal, altruistic and equitable behaviours. The positive physical and social factors of the family environment produced a second-order factor, identified as ‘Positive family environment’. This second-order construct was saliently and significantly associated with the sustainable behaviour factor, providing empirical support to the theoretical model of environmental positivity in the family.