Pathways of place dependence and place identity influencing recycling in the extended theory of planned behavior

Studies have been providing increasing evidence of the direct relationship between place attachment and environmentally responsible behavior and intentions. However, research on indirect and moderating effects of place attachment sub-constructs (i.e., place dependence and place identity) on intentions is scarce. This paper addresses the gap by assessing effects of place dependence and place identity on recycling intention in conjunction with the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB). 1071 Hong Kong respondents recruited using an online survey indicated their intention to participate in recycling behavior. Results suggest that place dependence indirectly influences recycling intention via place identity in the theoretical structure of the TPB. Place identity significantly moderates the relationships between instrumental attitude and recycling intention, and between perceived behavioral control and recycling intention, while the relationship between experiential attitude and intention is not subject to place identity. This study assesses the importance of place attachment as a personal factor influencing environmental outcomes and provides insights into the complex relationships between person-place bonding and pro-environmental behavior.