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<p>Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten freshwater ecosystems, and recreational boating is a major vector of theirspread. This study applies Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), extended with moral obligations, to examine predictors of Clean, Drain, Dry (CDD) behavior among 2977 boaters in Kansas, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. Structural equation modeling showed that problem awareness strongly influenced perceived threat severity, response efficacy, perceived difficulty, and personal norms, which in turn predicted CDD behavior. Multigroup analyses revealed significant state-level differences in both mean values and structural relationships. Utah respondents reported higher awareness, threat perceptions, and compliance, whereas Texas respondents reported lower levels. These patterns likely reflect differences in the contexts of outreach, prevention, and enforcement. Findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive and normative factors in AIS interventions and tailoring strategies to state-specific conditions. The study advances PMT by emphasizing the role of problem awareness and moral obligations in shaping pro-environmental behavior.</p>

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Understanding mitigation intentions for aquatic invasive species: A protection motivation theory perspective

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月5日

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  • Benjamin Ghasemi,
  • Gerard T. Kyle,
  • Monica E. McGarrity

摘要

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten freshwater ecosystems, and recreational boating is a major vector of theirspread. This study applies Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), extended with moral obligations, to examine predictors of Clean, Drain, Dry (CDD) behavior among 2977 boaters in Kansas, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. Structural equation modeling showed that problem awareness strongly influenced perceived threat severity, response efficacy, perceived difficulty, and personal norms, which in turn predicted CDD behavior. Multigroup analyses revealed significant state-level differences in both mean values and structural relationships. Utah respondents reported higher awareness, threat perceptions, and compliance, whereas Texas respondents reported lower levels. These patterns likely reflect differences in the contexts of outreach, prevention, and enforcement. Findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive and normative factors in AIS interventions and tailoring strategies to state-specific conditions. The study advances PMT by emphasizing the role of problem awareness and moral obligations in shaping pro-environmental behavior.