The Moderating Effects of Social Support and Gender on the Relationship between Environmental Justice Perceptions, Environmental Engagement, and Well-Being among Residents of Ota
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2024-12
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Abstract
Background: In urban areas where environmental challenges and socio-economic disparities are prevalent, such as Ota, Nigeria, the complex interplay between environmental justice perceptions, environmental engagement, and well-being presents significant challenges. These issues are exacerbated by inadequate social support systems and gender disparities, making it challenging to address environmental injustices effectively and improve the overall well-being of residents. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design, involving a total of 324 participants, aged 18 - 65 years (mean age = 43; SD = 16.79) that were recruited using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB); Environmental Justice Perception Scale (EJPS); Olabisi Onabanjo University Attitude Toward Environmental Engagement Scale (OOUATEES); and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), descriptive and Pearson correlation matrix, and analysed using hierarchical regression models. Results: The findings indicated that better perceptions of environmental justice are associated with higher levels of general well-being [β = 0.25, t = 4.66, p < 0.00]. Engagement in pro-environmental behaviours was also positively linked to improved well-being [β = 0.16, t = 2.99, p < 0.00]. Environmental engagement significantly moderated the relationship between environmental justice perceptions and general well-being, amplifying the positive effects (β = 0.25, t = 4.66, p < 0.01). However, social support and gender did not significantly moderate these relationships, suggesting that the primary influences of environmental justice (β = 0.26, t = 4.83, p < 0.01) and environmental engagement (β = 0.19, t = 3.82, p < 0.01) are robust enough to overshadow the moderating roles of these variables. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of environmental justice perceptions and pro-environmental engagement in enhancing general well-being among residents of Ota. While social support and gender are important factors in well-being, their moderating effects may be less pronounced in environments with strong predictors like environmental justice and engagement. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that promote environmental fairness and active engagement in environmental activities to improve overall well-being.