Nature-protective behavior cannot be sufficiently explained using a pure rational/cognitive approach. Therefore, in a questionnaire study ( N = 281), the focus was on emotional motivations of this behavior, especially on a newly conceptualized construct: emotional affinity toward nature. All constructs were measured by reliable and valid scales. Multiple regression analyses reveal that (a) emotional affinity is as powerful to predict nature-protective behavior as indignation and interest in nature and together these three predictors explain up to 47% of variance of the criterion variables, and (b) 39% of emotional affinity toward nature traces back to present and past experiences in natural environments. The resulting integrative path model is discussed. Theoretical conclusions are drawn, and options for practical intervention are derived.

There is no doubt that destruction and pollution of the natural environment are two of the main social political problems of a globalized world. To a considerable extent, these ecological problems are due to behavior patterns. They evolved over the development of humankind, from hunter-gatherers living in primitively agrarian societies up to our technologically advanced modem societies. However, the lifestyles of many are maladapted, especially under our current condition of growing population density. Despite numerous attempts to reduce the threats of ecological damage, most of the global ecological problems and their long-term effects are still not under control, and are continuously getting worse (Umweltbundesamt, 1997

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Volunteers' motives have been differentially linked to various aspects of successful volunteering. Using self-determination theory, we propose that volunteer functions are systematically related to the experience of self-determined versus controlled motivation. This "quality of motivation," in turn, explains why motives are differentially associated with satisfaction. We conducted two studies: Study 1 (N1 = 824) addressed motives, quality of motivation, and satisfaction; Study 2 (N2 = 323) additionally examined function-specific benefits and the extent to which they match volunteers' motives. Overall, our hypotheses were supported: values, understanding, and social justice motives were positively associated with relatively self-determined motivation (RSM), whereas career, social, protective, and enhancement motives showed negative correlations. The relationships between motives and satisfaction were partially mediated by RSM. Concerning benefits, Study 2 corroborated these findings for values, protective, enhancement, and social justice. This research introduces a new perspective on the quality of volunteers' motives-with theoretical and practical implications.

This chapter illuminates the role of various categories of emotions in the context of the natural environment and their influence on pro-environmental and environmentally risky decisions. First, some examples of emotional reactions toward environmental problems are given. After discussing the question “what are environmentally relevant emotions?,” a classification of these emotions is proposed, followed by a close look at the relations of emotions and environmentally relevant activities and the special behavioral impact of the emotions not only on pro-environmental but also on environmentally risky behaviors. The chapter closes with a discussion of how knowledge about emotional factors can be used in the environmental debate and shows ways to reach a deeper understanding of the dynamics and impact of these emotions. This knowledge can enrich models of environmentally relevant behaviors as well as action models in psychology in general.