Abstract

In this study, we examine whether the significance of biospheric values as a separate cluster next to egoistic and altruistic values is mainly a Western European phenomenon or whether biospheric values are also endorsed as a value in its own right in post-socialist Hungary. In two different samples (N = 856 and N = 840), Multi Group Method revealed that egoistic, altruistic and biospheric values can be distinguished empirically in Hungary. Furthermore, our findings suggest that Hungarians not only care for nature and the environment as such, but that these values are translated into feelings of moral obligation to protect the environment: biospheric values strongly contributed to the explanation of personal norms towards a variety of environmental behaviors. Our results suggest that biospheric values are indeed relevant to understand environmental beliefs, norms, and actions in Hungary.