Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being
A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Psychology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026
Special Issue Editor
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
Manuscript Submission Information
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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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