The effect of individual values on self-esteem and meaning in life in adolescents: A cross-sectional study from Turkey

Abstract

AimThis study aimed to determine the effect of personal values on self-esteem and meaning in life in adolescents. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 404 adolescents in Turkey. The data were collected with the “Portrait Values Questionnaire” (PVQ), the “Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale” (RSE), and the “Meaning in Life Questionnaire” (MLQ) between September and December 2021. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the data, and multivariate correlation and regression analyses were performed. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting. ResultsThe mean PVQ score was 4.84 ± 0.59, indicating good individual values. The mean RSES score was 1.86 ± 0.62, showing moderate self-esteem. The mean MLQ score was 4.24 ± 1.17, indicating a moderate meaning in life. There was a positive relationship between the PVQ scores of the adolescents and their RSE and MLQ. PVQ was a positive predictor of RSE and MLQ in these adolescents. ConclusionsThis study revealed that adolescents have good individual values, and moderate self-esteem and meaning in life. Individual values have a positive effect on adolescents' self-esteem and meaning in life. Future studies are expected to explore how personal values affect self-esteem and meaning in life in adolescents using longitudinal study data. Understanding how adolescents' personal values affect self-esteem and well-being can contribute to the development of further strategies to increase adolescents' self-esteem and happiness levels.