The LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) Attitude Questionnaire for Assessing Sustainable Lifestyles Among University Students

Authors

  • Kateřina Jančaříková Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
  • Linda Brůnová Faculty of Education, Charles University, Magdalény Rettigové 4, 116 39, Praha 1, Czech Republic
  • Zuzana Huňková Rectorate, Palacký University Olomouc, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
  • Guilherme Stecca Marcom Gleb Wataghin Institute of Physics, University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Rua Sérgio Buarque de Holanda, 13083859 - Campinas, SP, Brasil
  • Silvie Svobodová Faculty of Education, Charles University, Magdalény Rettigové 4, 116 39, Praha 1, Czech Republic
  • Antonín Jančařík Faculty of Education, Charles University, Magdalény Rettigové 4, 116 39, Praha 1, Czech Republic

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2025.2.521.534

Keywords:

environmental behaviour and attitudes, LOHAS typology, questionnaire validation, university students' lifestyle, sustainable education, consumer behaviour

Abstract

Aim. This paper introduces the development, implementation, and pilot validation of the LOHAS Attitude Questionnaire. This instrument evaluates sustainable attitudes and behaviour among university students, based on the consumer typology model by the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI). The analysis explores the reliability and validity of the questionnaire and its capacity to identify distinct lifestyle groups and attitudes towards sustainability.

Methods. The LOHAS Attitude Questionnaire was developed through a comprehensive literature review, expert consultation, and iterative pilot testing. The pilot study involved 1,089 full-time university students across three Czech universities, representing various disciplines. Data collection employed a 40-question instrument, with responses captured on a Likert scale. Statistical analyses, including Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis, were conducted using SPSS to determine reliability and to identify latent factors.

Results. The reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.881, indicating high internal consistency. Factor analysis identified five distinct components aligning with the NMI's typology: LOHAS, NATURALITES, DRIFTERS, CONVENTIONALS, and UNCONCERNEDS. Findings suggest the questionnaire effectively differentiates lifestyle groups and provides insights into students' attitudes towards sustainability.

Conclusion. The LOHAS Attitude Questionnaire proves to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing sustainable attitudes and behaviour among university students. It offers a robust framework for monitoring the impact of sustainability education and tailoring interventions based on lifestyle categories. Future research should expand its application to diverse cohorts and examine its role in fostering sustainable behaviour through targeted educational initiatives.

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Author Biographies

  • Kateřina Jančaříková, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic

    Head of Centre for promotion of Science Education

  • Linda Brůnová, Faculty of Education, Charles University, Magdalény Rettigové 4, 116 39, Praha 1, Czech Republic

    Department of Biology and Environmental Studies

  • Guilherme Stecca Marcom, Gleb Wataghin Institute of Physics, University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Rua Sérgio Buarque de Holanda, 13083859 - Campinas, SP, Brasil

    Professor of Departamento de Física Aplicada do Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW/UNICAMP).

  • Silvie Svobodová, Faculty of Education, Charles University, Magdalény Rettigové 4, 116 39, Praha 1, Czech Republic

    Department of Biology and Environmental Studies

  • Antonín Jančařík, Faculty of Education, Charles University, Magdalény Rettigové 4, 116 39, Praha 1, Czech Republic

    Dean of Faculty

    Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Education

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Published

2025-06-27

How to Cite

Jančaříková, K., Brůnová, L., Huňková, Z., Marcom, G. S., Svobodová, S., & Jančařík, A. (2025). The LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) Attitude Questionnaire for Assessing Sustainable Lifestyles Among University Students. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 16(1), 521-534. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2025.2.521.534