Environmental sustainability education and its impact on psychological well-being: A cognitive-behavioral approach

Titolo Rivista RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA'
Autori/Curatori Enrica Gallo, Mariam Maisuradze, Giulia Amato
Anno di pubblicazione 2025 Fascicolo 2025/1Suppl.
Lingua Inglese Numero pagine 11 P. 69-79 Dimensione file 0 KB
DOI 10.3280/riss2025oa19880
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Psychological well-being is essential for promoting sustainable behaviors, yet awareness alone is insufficient. Economic and cognitive barriers often hinder eco-friendly choices. This article offers a theoretical reflection, supported by academic literature, on the applicability of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in fostering sustainable lifestyles. CBT can reduce cognitive distortions, enhance self-efficacy, and support value-based decisions. Techniques like mindfulness, nudging, and reframing all-or-nothing thinking can help bridge the intention–behavior gap. Schools and workplaces are key contexts for applying these strategies to promote lasting, environmentally responsible habits. A structured effort at social and educational levels is needed, but CBT provides key tools for a lasting sustainable mindset.

Psychological well-being is essential for promoting sustainable behaviors, yet awareness alone is insufficient. Economic and cognitive barriers often hinder eco-friendly choices. This article offers a theoretical reflection, supported by academic literature, on the applicability of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in fostering sustainable lifestyles. CBT can reduce cognitive distortions, enhance self-efficacy, and support value-based decisions. Techniques like mindfulness, nudging, and reframing all-or-nothing thinking can help bridge the intention–behavior gap. Schools and workplaces are key contexts for applying these strategies to promote lasting, environmentally responsible habits. A structured effort at social and educational levels is needed, but CBT provides key tools for a lasting sustainable mindset.

Parole chiave:; cognitive behavioral therapy; mindfulness; Environmental Sustainability; personal values; psychology

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Enrica Gallo, Mariam Maisuradze, Giulia Amato, Environmental sustainability education and its impact on psychological well-being: A cognitive-behavioral approach in "RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA'" 1Suppl./2025, pp 69-79, DOI: 10.3280/riss2025oa19880