Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of College Students in Family and Consumer Sciences Towards Environmentally Friendly Apparel

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BOSTIC, NINA CRAWFORD. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of College Students in Family and Consumer Sciences Towards Environmentally Friendly Apparel. (Under the direction of Dr. Gary Moore.)

The purpose of this study is to (a) determine attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors of college students toward environmentally friendly apparel, (b) examine a correlation between age in relation to knowledge, attitude and behaviors, (c) examine the difference between student’s hometown size in regards to knowledge, attitude and behaviors, (d) study the differences in knowledge, attitude and behaviors between majors (Fashion majors or Family Consumer Sciences). Surveys were administered to introductory level courses in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) at three institutions of higher education. Each class member turned in a survey, for a total of 137 surveys. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way Analysis of Variance, and Pearson Correlation Coefficients. Based upon the findings, the following conclusions were identified: 1. The FCS students at the three colleges had a low to moderate level of knowledge regarding environmentally friendly apparel. 2. Students are leaning toward having an attitude that supports being environmentally friendly toward clothing. 3. Students generally practice environmentally friendly apparel behaviors. 4. The type of major, whether it’s Fashion or other Family and Consumer Sciences, did not show a higher awareness of environmentally friendly apparel. 5. The student’s hometown size did not show a difference in their knowledge, attitude and behavior. 6. The student’s age did not have a relationship with their knowledge and behavior. However, the older students possessed a more favorable attitude toward environmentally friendly clothing.