Exploring the antecedents of apparel disposal behaviors

Abstract

To obtain a comprehensive view of the apparel disposal behaviors of young U.S. consumers, this study evaluated antecedents of apparel disposal behaviors using a framework based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA), categorization theory, and prior literature. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of undergraduate students at a large U.S. Midwestern university through a self-administered online survey. A final sample of 358 usable surveys was analyzed through the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) with Amos. The results supported the proposed relationships between environmental apparel knowledge and attitude toward sustainable methods of apparel disposal. In addition, the proposed relationships between attitude and apparel disposal intention (intention to discard, donate, reuse, or resell) were all supported except for intention to resell. While the results showed a significant and positive relationship between subjective norms and intention to resell or donate apparel, no significant relationship was shown between subjective norms and intention to reuse or discard apparel. In addition, subjective norms were a positive and significant antecedent of attitude. Lastly, respondents’ intention to engage in a particular apparel disposal behavior corresponded with the actual apparel disposal behavior.