Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2025

Measuring Light-Switching Behavior Using an Occupancy and Light Data Logger
Published on: January 16, 2020
The Positive Effect of pro-Environmental Behavior on Eudaimonic Well-Being in Young Adults: A Daily Diary Study Using
Silvia Caldaroni1, Maria Gerbino1, Florian Schmiedek2,3
1Department of Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Introduction:
Existing literature has highlighted the relevance of Pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs)-actions intended to benefit the environment-to Eudaimonic well-being (EWB, i.e., meaning in life and connectedness to others). However, most research has focused on stable individual differences and utilized cross-sectional designs, giving limited attention to the momentary fluctuations of PEBs within individuals. This study aimed to investigate the daily impact of PEBs on EWB from a causal perspective, examining whether manipulating daily PEBs would result in higher levels of EWB on those days.
Method:
We adopted the Within-Person Encouragement Design, an experimental approach employing instrumental variable estimation, in a Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling framework. Participants were 63 Italian young adults assessed over 21 days and who received 11 randomized encouragements (i.e., "Today we ask you to implement more pro-environmental actions than you would normally enact on a typical day").
Results:
A significant positive adherence effect of the encouragement on PEB, and a significant positive treatment effect of PEB on EWB was found.
Conclusion:
These findings are promising for advancing successful behavioral interventions designed to encourage daily PEBs in younger generations and highlight the importance of PEBs for experiencing a more meaningful life and enhanced connectedness with others.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Egoism and Altruism
Naturalistic Observations

