Examining the role of actual behavioral control in adolescent upcycling behavior

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore upcycling behaviour using the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) model, incorporating actual behavioural control (ABC) as a moderating variable. While previous studies on upcycling have primarily focused on the industrial sector’s perspective and approach, this study examines adolescents' potential to reduce waste from an early stage. Methodologically, the study employs a quasi-experimental design conducted in rural Pahang, involving 126 participants aged 15–24 from secondary schools and universities. During the program, a recycling and upcycling talk, followed by a mini-innovation activity using recycled materials, was conducted to measure participants’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and actual behavioural control before and after the program. Paired-sample t-tests revealed significant improvements across all four dimensions following the intervention. Structural analysis showed that knowledge significantly predicted both attitude and practice, whereas attitude did not significantly influence practice. These findings suggest that, unlike recycling, upcycling requires not only knowledge and positive attitudes but also creative application and perceived control over resources. Through the intervention program, an increase in students’ knowledge, attitudes, and upcycling practices could be observed. However, translating positive attitudes into actual behaviour may require more than a single intervention program, particularly among adolescent groups.