Review maps planned behaviour research in household waste management

The review synthesized 111 publications indexed in the Web of Science between 1975 and 2023, examining research trends, methods, target groups, waste types and extensions to the theoretical framework. The analysis shows that researchers frequently supplement the Theory of Planned Behaviour with additional variables or combine it with other behavioural theories. Among the 111 reviewed publications, 64% extended the original framework, 39% integrated it with other behavioural theories and 24% used both approaches.

The Value-Belief-Norm theory and the Norm Activation Model were the most frequently integrated theories, while moral-normative factors, habits and contextual factors were among the most common extensions. These results indicate increasing theoretical hybridisation within the reviewed literature rather than a uniform model for explaining waste-related behaviour. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used in 20 studies, or 19%.

The bibliometric component also mapped publication trends, influential journals and authors, citation patterns, country-level contributions and thematic developments, while the qualitative component assessed waste types, target groups, additional theoretical models, statistical methods and modifications to the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Together, the two methods describe how this research literature has become more behaviourally specialised and theoretically varied. The review’s scope was household and individual-level waste-related behaviour.

It included studies focused on specific waste streams and different population groups, extending the literature beyond general household waste management. Its evidence base is a synthesis of published research, not a new experiment or intervention. As a result, the review can identify patterns in how the Theory of Planned Behaviour has been applied and extended, but it cannot establish that any specific behavioural factor causes people to produce less waste or to adopt a particular waste-management practice.

The authors identify methodological diversification as a priority for future work, alongside more consistent operationalisation of extensions to the Theory of Planned Behaviour. They also highlight the integration of sustainability-oriented and digital approaches as areas for further development. The central reported result is a transition toward more specialised waste-behaviour research and greater use of combined theoretical models.

Because the review covers publications through 2023, it also provides a bounded snapshot of the field rather than a direct assessment of developments after that date.

Subject of Research: Bibliometric and qualitative review of Theory of Planned Behaviour applications in household waste management research.

Article Title: A bibliometric and qualitative review of the theory of planned behaviour in waste management research

Article References: Nagy, A. M., Darida, Z., & Kanizsai-Konka, B. (2026). A bibliometric and qualitative review of the theory of planned behaviour in waste management research. Discover Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-026-04657-w

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s43621-026-04657-w

Keywords: waste management, Theory of Planned Behaviour, household behaviour, bibliometrics, qualitative review, behavioural theories, sustainability, environmental behaviour, structural equation modelling, research trends, bibliometric, qualitative