Longitudinal analysis of the relation between changes in human values and social attitudes

Abstract

While extensive research has explored the relationship between attitudes and human values, little is known regarding their reciprocal influence. Rather than examining the direct relation between values and attitudes, current research focuses on the dynamic interplay between values and attitudes over a period of 12 years, showing how changes in human values and changes in attitude (toward euthanasia, income equality, marriage, and foreigners) mutually impact each other. Using Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Modeling with a sample of 1044 individuals followed between 2008 and 2020 (ages 16 to 84 in 2008), we found evidence that both value changes were causing attitude changes, as well as vice versa. As both values and attitudes were fairly stable, these effects were small. Nevertheless, values as well as attitudes evolved gradually over time. The influence of values on attitudes in general seemed stronger than the influence of attitudes on values. Most cross-lagged effects were found for attitude toward marriage and income equalities, and least effects for attitude toward foreigners and euthanasia. Our findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between values and attitudes, highlighting their gradual dynamics.