How Families Shape “Planet Protectors”: Pro-Environmental Parent–Child Interactions Cultivate Children’s Pro-Environmental Behavior

Abstract

The family, as a primary context for child socialization, plays a significant role in shaping children’s pro-environmental behavior (PEB). However, few studies have systematically examined the formation of such behaviors from the perspective of parent–child interactions in the environmental domain. The present research consists of two studies. Study 1 aimed to conceptualize the structure of “pro-environmental parent–child interaction” (PEPCI) and develop a corresponding measurement tool. Results indicated that this construct comprises four dimensions: guided interaction, participatory interaction, reverse interaction, and behavioral demand interaction. The developed scale demonstrated good reliability and validity. In Study 2, a survey was conducted among 1086 fourth- to sixth-grade primary school students to examine the relationships among PEPCI, nature connectedness, perceived parental action, and children’s PEB. The results revealed that PEPCI positively predicted children’s PEB. Both perceived parental action and nature connectedness mediated the relationship between parent–child interaction and PEB independently. Furthermore, a chain mediation effect was identified, indicating that parent–child interaction enhanced perceived parental behavior, which in turn strengthened children’s connection to nature, ultimately promoting PEB. This research provides empirical support and practical insights for family-based pro-environmental education.