The value of eudaimonia for understanding relationships among values and pro-environmental behavior

Understanding the transactions that occur between humans and their environments requires research focused on phenomena explain behavioral patterns, particularly values serve as guiding principles in life. Mounting evidence has suggested pro-environmental behavior is motivated by long-term goal of living a meaningful life, reflected Aristotle's concept eudaimonia. However, relationships among value concepts, eudaimonic values, remains unclear despite fundamental role these constructs play explaining why people make decisions. We conceptualized with guidance from Self-Determination Theory to understand how suite affected reported recreational anglers (n = 1,103) across five US states (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Indiana) Great Lakes region. Results latent variable path model showed were strong predictors biospheric, altruistic, egoistic, hedonic which turn, influenced self-reported who at risk spreading aquatic invasive species. These findings suggest are an antecedent values-behavior can improve predictive capacity models being developed inform management strategies for minimizing human activities contributing unintentional spread • Eudaimonia be operationalized higher order Eudaimonic do not directly predict behavior. antecedents other concepts. Values basis understanding related biological invasions. Fishery managers U.S. would benefit knowledge angler