Exploring the Construct of Relational Values: An Empirical Approach

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Relational values (RVs) are a novel concept in environmental research.
• Empirical validation of RVs and their relationship with other environmental constructs is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and validate an existing measurement tool for relational values.
• To compare relational values with the concept of connection to nature.
• To determine the dimensional structure of relational values.

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted involving university and high school students (total N=1653).
• Methods included convergent/discriminant validity testing, test-retest reliability, principal component analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis.
• The Relational Values scale was compared against the Two Factor Model of Environmental Values (2-MEV) and connection to nature.

Main Results:

• Relational values demonstrate convergent and discriminant validity.
• Relational values and connection to nature show significant overlap, suggesting they are not entirely distinct constructs.
• Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed relational values as a multidimensional construct with three factors: care, community, and connection.

Conclusions:

• Relational values are a valid, multidimensional construct.
• The findings suggest a nuanced relationship between relational values and connection to nature.
• This research provides a validated scale for measuring relational values in environmental research.