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Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being

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A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 7848

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Dr. Lisbeth Ku

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Division of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
Interests: materialism and psychology of consumption; happiness and quality of life; sustainability and behaviour change; cross-cultural research; fashion consumption and social impact

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the complex interplay between motivation, personal values, and well-being at both individual and societal levels, hence we invite contributions that examine how different types of motivation and value orientations influence behaviours, life satisfaction, and collective outcomes such as social cohesion and sustainability. A growing body of research highlights how certain value systems—such as materialism—may undermine intrinsic motivation (e.g., self-acceptance or meaningful relationships), leading to poorer individual well-being. At the same time, materialistic values have been linked to a greater tolerance for unethical or antisocial behaviour, with broader implications for societal well-being.

While materialism serves as one illustrative example, we warmly welcome submissions drawing on a wide range of motivational and value-based theories from psychology and related disciplines. This includes, but is not limited to, frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory, Schwartz’s Theory of Basic Human Values, Goal Systems Theory, and Moral Foundations Theory.

By bringing together research that bridges psychological theory, behavioural science, and real-world challenges, this Special Issue aims to deepen our understanding of the motivational and value-driven forces that shape both personal and collective flourishing.

We welcome theoretical, empirical, and methodological papers. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the role of intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation in promoting well-being; how personal or cultural values influence consumption, prosocial behaviour, or environmental attitudes; the impact of value shifts across the lifespan or in response to societal crises; interventions designed to promote value-based behaviour change; and cross-cultural or developmental perspectives on the links between values, motivation, and flourishing.

Dr. Lisbeth Ku
Guest Editor

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Keywords

personal values
motivation
well-being
prosocial behaviour
antisocial behaviour
value-based behaviour change intervention
societal flourishing
cross-cultural psychology

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 420 KB

Open AccessArticle

When Do We Recover from Loneliness: The Role of Green Consumption and Social Value

by Meiling Yin and Mingyeong Jeon

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16030427 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 700

Abstract

While prior research has shown that loneliness has negative consequences on individuals’ mental and physical health, little is known about when and how individuals emotionally recover from it. This study investigates whether individuals’ engagement in green consumption alters the extent to which they emotionally recover from loneliness. Across behavioral experiments, we show that green consumption offers emotional benefit for those experiencing loneliness through their perceived social value. This research advances the theoretical understanding of the effectiveness of green consumption in emotional recovery from loneliness. Moreover, we provide practical guidance for marketers to design advertisements and campaigns that emphasize the social and environmental benefits of green consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being)

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32 pages, 1076 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ethical Behavior in Organizations: Personal Values and the Moderating Role of Ethical Climate in Counterproductive Work Behavior and Organizational Citizenship Behavior

by Sergio Salgado, Carlos-María Alcover and Carolina González-Suhr

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16030389 - 8 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1323

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between personal values and (un)ethical behavior in organizations, and the moderating role of perceived ethical climate. We integrate Schwartz’s theory of personal values with the Victor and Cullen model of ethical climate, following the recent reformulation proposed by Weber and Opoku-Dakwa, thereby offering a novel perspective not previously explored in empirical research. Relying on the Person–Organization Fit model, we test whether perceived ethical climate (specifically Egoism and Principled dimensions) moderates the relationship between personal values (Self-Transcendence and Self-Enhancement) and (un)ethical behavior, operationalized by Counterproductive Work Behavior (CWB) and Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). To this end, we conducted a semi-longitudinal study involving a heterogeneous sample of workers from different organizations (Wave 1: N = 212; Wave 2: N = 84). The analyses supported that personal values and ethical climate are associated with (un)ethical behavior. Furthermore, significant interaction effects between ethical climate and personal values predicting CWB and OCB were found. This study contributes to a better understanding and management of ethical behavior, providing a theoretical contribution and plausible practical guidelines from a person-in-context approach. Limitations and challenges of this work are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being)

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13 pages, 248 KB

Open AccessArticle

Meaning in Life Is Associated with Differing Motivations to Use Social Networking Sites

by Roshan Rai, Mei-I Cheng and Jonathan Farnell

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16010120 - 15 Jan 2026

Viewed by 883

Abstract

Research often emphasises dysfunctional Social Networking Site (SNS) usage. In contrast, the current research examined a more positive element of human functioning, specifically how motivations to use SNSs may be associated with meaning in life, which can help give purpose and direction to people’s lives. A sample of 384 undergraduate students (aged 18 to 50; M = 20.95; SD = 4.95; 81.5% females) completed questionnaire-based measures of motivations to use SNSs, self-reported time spent on SNSs, and meaning in life (coherence, purpose, and mattering). Multiple regressions showed that models for coherence, purpose, and mattering explained 5.8–8.8% of the variance (R² = 0.058–0.088). Self-expression was positively associated with coherence (β = 0.128), purpose (β = 0.16), and mattering (β = 0.137). Following/monitoring others predicted higher coherence (β = 0.158), and using SNSs to find information predicted higher purpose (β = 0.12). Academic purposes were positively related to mattering (β = 0.12). By contrast, using SNSs for new friendships predicted lower coherence (β = −0.197) and mattering (β = −0.154), entertainment predicted lower coherence (β = −0.178), and greater time on SNSs predicted lower purpose (β = −0.186). Overall, different motivations for using SNSs are associated with different facets of meaning in life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being)

25 pages, 572 KB

Open AccessArticle

“It Is Not Possible to Balance It Easily”: A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Experience of Work–Family Conflict in Contemporary Chinese Society

by Shujie Chen, Mei-I Cheng, Shira Elqayam and Mark Scase

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16010063 - 30 Dec 2025

Viewed by 894

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore the work–family conflict phenomenon in China, to extend our understanding of such a phenomenon experienced under a different cultural background outside of the West, and to help suggest the Chinese culturally specific variables (e.g., filial piety) related to the work–family conflict in China for future research. A purposive sample of 16 Chinese employees was interviewed. Using Creswell’s phenomenological method, six themes and 17 sub-themes emerged through 297 significant statements. The participants described the work–family conflict as only a life experience or no more than a minor problem in life that has influenced their coping strategy (e.g., avoidance coping). It appeared that Chinese culture places both positive and negative effects that simultaneously ease and exacerbate work–family conflict (e.g., a greater level of family support came with more family obligation). After comparing the results with the previous Western findings, differences in the experience of work–family conflict were identified. Relevant factors related to the experience of work–family conflict were suggested, providing directions for future work–family conflict studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being)

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25 pages, 721 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Desire to Action: Unpacking Push–Pull Motivations to Reveal How Travel Sparks Eco-Intentions and Actions

by Juchoel Choi

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15121651 - 1 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1241

Abstract

As global environmental concerns escalate, tourism is increasingly viewed not only as a leisure activity but also as a strategic platform for advancing environmental sustainability, particularly through nature-based travel. This study investigates how different types of travel motivations—specifically Push and Pull factors—influence environmental attitudes and eco-friendly behaviors, aiming to unpack the psychological mechanisms driving sustainable tourism engagement. Push factors, such as relaxation, nature appreciation, and escape from routine, represent intrinsic motivations, while Pull factors, including key natural and cultural resources, serve as external attractions influencing destination choices. The research examines how these motivational forces contribute to the development of environmental attitudes and, in turn, encourage pro-environmental behaviors among tourists. Data were collected from a structured survey targeting travelers who engaged in nature-based tourism experiences, and the analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that Push factors such as family togetherness and appreciation of nature significantly enhance environmental attitudes, whereas adventure-seeking does not yield the same effect. Among Pull factors, key tourism resources positively influence environmental attitudes, while accessibility and convenience-related attributes show no significant impact. Moreover, environmental attitudes strongly predict eco-friendly behaviors, reinforcing the importance of sustainability consciousness in tourism. Despite these insights, challenges remain in translating environmental awareness into consistent, sustainable actions, particularly due to external constraints such as infrastructure limitations and economic considerations. This study contributes to the sustainable tourism literature by differentiating effective and ineffective motivational drivers and by providing actionable insights for destination managers and policymakers to foster deeper environmental engagement among travelers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being)

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17 pages, 575 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Extrinsic Values on Unethical Decision Making and Behaviour

by Paton Pak Chun Yam, Su Lu, Allan B. I. Bernardo and Lisbeth Ku

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111479 - 30 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1934

Abstract

Engaging in unethical behaviours, such as cheating, lying, stealing and fraud, holds significant consequences for individuals and the broader community. Drawing on self-determination theory, we posit that in a consumer-centric society, where one’s worth is often linked to wealth, celebrity status, and appearance, individuals who adopt extrinsic values might be motivated to engage in unethical behaviour in pursuit of financial gains. Study 1 surveyed university students in Macao, China (n = 566), and crowdsourcing workers from the UK (n = 605), demonstrating that extrinsic values were linked to unethical decision-making in vignette-based scenarios. This association was held in both societies, suggesting a culture-independent connection between unethicality and values. To establish causal relationships, we conducted experiments manipulating extrinsic cues participants received in Macanese (Study 2, n = 170) and British (Study 3, n = 197) participants. Results revealed a significant impact of these cues on behavioural measures of unethicality, with those in the extrinsic-cues condition more likely to lie for financial gains compared to those in the control groups. Together, these findings highlight the influence of extrinsic values on unethical behaviour across cultural contexts. This research underscores the urgent need to address societal norms and consumerist cues that focus on extrinsic values, which may erode ethical standards and threaten collective well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being)

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