Can Information Sources Motivate Action on the SDGs? The Moderating Role of Media Exposure in the Attitude-Behaviour Relationship Among Malaysian Students
FAIZAH NA1, ABD RAHMAN NF2*, E YULIANTI3, ASHMIMI M.A4

1Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia

Abstract

This study explores the interrelationships between students^ attitudes towards education in the context of sustainable development (ESD) during SDGs outreach activities. Conducted as part of the SDGs School Program, with the aim to inform students about and motivate them with sustainability behaviour with school-science. The research surveyed 251 Malaysian students across diverse educational levels to engaged in sustainability competencies. Adopting a quantitative, questionnaire-based design, the study measured three core constructs: attitudes, self-reported sustainability-related behaviours, and the primary sources of information frame based on Theory of Planned Behaviour. Results revealed moderately positive attitudes (M = 3.32), with behaviour (M = 3.35) and information exposure (M = 3.35) to similar levels. Pearson correlation analysis showed statistically significant positive associations among all variables (p < .01), with a particularly strong correlation between attitudes and behaviour (r = .868). Information sources also correlated positively with attitudes (r = .664) and behaviours (r = .759), underscoring the influential role of media and communication platforms in shaping youth sustainability mindsets and actions. These findings support existing literature, which highlights the interplay between attitudes and behaviours in predicting intentional actions. This study extends such frameworks by identifying information exposure as a critical enabler that reinforces sustainability attitudes and facilitates behavioural engagement among students. The study calls for the integration of SDG-focused education in school curricula and the strategic use of accessible media to foster sustainability-conscious learners. The results offer evidence-based recommendations for educators and policymakers aiming to build environmental literacy through informed and targeted engagement strategies.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Student Attitudes, Sustainability-related Behaviour, Sources of Information

Topic: ESD in Science Education