Basic Values Survey Research Articles

How can human values influence work engagement among teachers? an exploratory study

AbstractHuman values provide essential insights into how personal characteristics can help build a more positive work environment within an educational context, impacting variables such as organizational commitment and satisfaction with university life. However, it is still unknown to what extent values can help to influence the teachers’ level of work engagement. That is, whether specific values can lead people to present a higher motivation at work. Therefore, we conducted one study (N = 345; Mage = 36.45, SDage = 10.33) to assess teachers’ associations between human values and work engagement. We used the Basic Values Survey and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. To evaluate the data, we checked the associations between the variables using Pearson’s correlations and whether human values could significantly predict work engagement using hierarchical regressions. Our results showed that all values significantly correlate to the work engagement dimensions. However, only interactive values (e.g., affectivity, belonging, support), characterized by the motivation to develop and maintain relationships with others, significantly predicted work engagement. Such findings highlight the importance of an environment that allows the development and maintenance of relationships between teachers and their peers and students, favoring a more excellent state of mind towards their work and enhancing their motivation to do their job. We are confident that our research brings novelty to the literature on work engagement, providing the first assessment of human values’ impact on teachers’ motivation towards work.

Influência dos Valores e Estilos Parentais Percebidos pelas Crianças na Transmissão Valorativa

Abstract In order to better understand the relationship between parenting styles and parental values perceived by children and their values, 119 children were invited to answer the Basic Values Survey - Children’s version, the Parenting Styles Inventory, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results showed that the guardian’s perceived value priority does not depend on the parenting style perceived by children. Furthermore, positive parenting style is related to a greater value congruence between guardians and children, and parenting style and values are explanatory variables of the values endorsed by the children. The values and parenting styles perceived by children play an important role in the transmission of values between guardians and children.

Modern Reading of the Sociology of Morality

The paper analyzes theoretical concepts and empirical tools for the study of morality, altruism, contributing to the development of ideas, beliefs and values about justice or its absence and trust or distrust in oneself, people around and social institutions. The relevance of studying this issue has become especially acute during a pandemic, when questions of morality and ethics have become urgent for many people in everyday space with the daily choice of their own behavior, the safety of themselves and others during and after a pandemic. These research focuses are studied within the framework of an interdisciplinary approach to the sociology of morality. It is shown that the moral dimension of social reality is a key marker of social reproduction. This position is proved by the appeal of contemporaries within the framework of sociology, psychology, philosophy to these topics, as well as the author’s own empirical research conducted in 2019–2020 by filling out diaries for six months (165 people), where moral emotions arising in any life were recorded situations, the methodology of Sh. Schwartz was used to identify the basic values (survey of research participants) and focus group conversations (54 people), which made it possible to identify the discrepancy between the declared values and situational reactions to various interactions mediated by moral emotions. The article traces the influence of social interaction, produced through the influence of social institutions that develop group norms, on the behavior of individuals in certain situations of interaction and group reactions in the process of communication and subsequent assessments of this process. It is proved how moral emotions either strengthen the existing functioning of social institutions or destroy it, eroding the clear framework of what is proper, acceptable, and correct. It also shows how and why situational factors influence norms and values more than general ideas about moral norms. The article may be of interest to philosophers, sociologists and specialists in helping professions for fixing and reflecting on moral states and transformations of the modern social environment.

How Human Values Relate to Attitudes Toward Pornography: A Portuguese Survey

Pornography consumption is increasing. Nevertheless, in Portugal, research is scarce, namely its relationship with psychosocial variables. We investigated the relation between human values and attitudes toward pornography consumption. Values were measured through the Basic Values Survey and attitudes toward pornography consumption were assessed with the Scale of Attitudes Toward Consumption of pornographic materials. The results showed that positive attitudes were associated with personal values (pleasure, sexuality, emotion, power, and prestige). Instead, the negative attitudes were associated with social values (religiosity and support). The consideration of values can help clinicians and sexual educators to better discuss and integrate pornography consumption.

Life Values Among Lebanese and Portuguese College Students

This study aims to test the applicability of the functional theory of life values and score differences among a group of students from Lebanon and Portugal. Participants include 565 college students—278 Lebanese and 287 Portuguese. A demographic questionnaire and an adapted version of the Basic Values Survey were completed. Confirmatory/multigroup factor analysis, a generalized Procrustes analysis, and a t test were used. Results indicate that content and structure hypotheses were equivalent among the two groups. There were significant differences between the Lebanese and Portuguese students in normative and promotion values in favor of the first group, and in interactive, suprapersonal, and excitement values in favor of the second. This study has implications for institutional academic and social practices with international college students.

A Test of the Functional Theory of Human Values in Egypt

This study attempted to test the functional theory of values using the Basic Value Survey (BVS) and a new instrument named the Egyptian Basic Value Survey (EBVS) in Egypt. In study one, the BVS was used to test the content, structure, and compatibility hypotheses with a sample of 563 business students. In study two, the same hypotheses were tested with the EBVS and a new sample of 466 business students. In both studies, participants completed the paper and pencil survey in the classroom. Results supported the content and structure hypotheses. With regards to the compatibility hypothesis, all values were compatible, though age did not affect the degree of compatibility. Overall, the functional theory of values was partially supported. Notably, the study showed how central values can be a reference source for other values. Additionally, the study indicated the weakness of the thriving/survival dimension. Recommendations for future research directions are provided.

An Empirical Comparison of Human Value Models

Over the past century, various value models have been proposed. To determine which value model best predicts prosocial behavior, mental health, and pro-environmental behavior, we subjected seven value models to a hierarchical regression analysis. A sample of University students (N = 271) completed the Portrait Value Questionnaire (Schwartz et al., 2012), the Basic Value Survey (Gouveia et al., 2008), and the Social Value Orientation scale (Van Lange et al., 1997). Additionally, they completed the Values Survey Module (Hofstede and Minkov, 2013), Inglehart’s (1977) materialism–postmaterialism items, the Study of Values, fourth edition (Allport et al., 1960; Kopelman et al., 2003), and the Rokeach (1973) Value Survey. However, because the reliability of the latter measures was low, only the PVQ-RR, the BVS, and the SVO where entered into our analysis. Our results provide empirical evidence that the PVQ-RR is the strongest predictor of all three outcome variables, explaining variance above and beyond the other two instruments in almost all cases. The BVS significantly predicted prosocial and pro-environmental behavior, while the SVO only explained variance in pro-environmental behavior.

Testing functional theory of life values with students living in residential care institutions

The Functional Theory of Life Values can constitute a useful theoretical basis for evaluating and promoting the psychosocial development of young people. This study aimed to analyze the adequacy of this theory with students living in residential care institutions. We tested two main hypotheses: a content hypothesis, using a six-dimensional values model (excitement, promotion, existence, supra-personal, interactive, normative), and a structure hypothesis, which represents values in two space dimensions (type of orientation guiding actions goals; and type of motivator expressing needs). Participants included 230 Portuguese youths, 121 boys (52.6%) and 109 girls (47.4%) aged 12 to 25 years old (M = 16.1, SD = 2.03). A demographic questionnaire and the Basic Values Survey were completed. Confirmatory factor analysis and confirmatory multidimensional scaling were used to test the content and structure hypotheses. The results support both hypotheses and provide empirical support to the theory with this population.

Endorsement of existence values predicts mate retention behaviors

People deploy mate retention behaviors to thwart a long-term romantic partner's infidelity. Cost-Inflicting mate retention behaviors (e.g., inducing a partner's jealousy) are riskier than Benefit-Provisioning mate retention behaviors (e.g., showing love and care for a partner), because the former increase the odds of a partner's defection or retaliation. Individual differences in endorsement of Existence values—i.e., valuing Personal Stability, Health, and Survival—may be associated with the type of mate retention behaviors people perform. We hypothesized that individuals who endorse Existence values more (versus less), would perform less frequent Cost-Inflicting mate retention behaviors (controlling for performance of Benefit-Provisioning mate retention behaviors; Hypothesis 1), and more frequent Benefit-Provisioning mate retention behaviors (controlling for performance of Cost-Inflicting mate retention behaviors; Hypothesis 2). Participants (n=164), each in a heterosexual, romantic relationship of at least three months duration, completed a survey that included the Mate Retention Inventory-Short Form and the Basic Values Survey. Endorsement of Existence values was negatively associated with performance of Cost-Inflicting mate retention behaviors (supporting Hypothesis 1), and positively associated with performance of Benefit-Provisioning mate retention behaviors (supporting Hypothesis 2). We situate these results within an evolutionary framework on mate retention, and discuss their theoretical and applied utility.

Psychometric Properties of the Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale (URCS) for a Brazilian Sample.

The present research brings psychometric evidences for the Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale (URCS), aiming at verifying its adequacy for use in the Brazilian context. Participants were 468 university students with mean age of 21.2 years. They completed a survey composed by the URCS, the Basic Values Survey (BSV), and demographic questions. Through Exploratory (Eigenvalue = 6.61) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFI = .937, TLI = .923), the results showed that the same one-factor structure from the original version of the scale was found. These results were also invariant across gender and relationship status (∆SRMR < .03), and presented evidences of internal consistence (α = .94), temporal stability (ICC = .903, p < .001), and convergent validity (r male = .32, r female = .25, p < .001). In conclusion, this measure has shown to be psychometrically adequate for use in Brazil.

Relações entre prioridades de valores de adolescentes e posições sociais de renda e escolaridade

(analytical): This study is based on a functionalist theory of values and characterizes the importance that adolescents from various social positions place on certain values that act as individual guiding principles in their lives. The participants were 736 secondary school students (51,5% females with an average age of 16) from Uberlandia, Brazil who completed an adapted version of the Basic Values Survey (BVS) and provided information about their family’s education levels and income. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and correspondence analysis. The results indicate that there is a general consensus and higher proportions of high importance given to some central, suprapersonal, interactive and promotion values, corroborating previous research. Variations in normative values such as religiosity and traditions were observed, with their importance decreasing as income and education level increase. This relationship is discussed in terms of the motivating, conforming and ideological functions of religion. Key words: values, adolescente, economic classes, schooling (Unesco Social Science Thesaurus).

Functional theory of values: results of a confirmatory factor analysis with Portuguese youths

This study aims to test the functional theory of life values with Portuguese youths, based on the Basic Values Survey (BVS). A content hypothesis predicting a six-dimensional values model and a structure hypothesis predicting the representation of values into two space dimensions are tested. Participants include 815 youths (444 girls) with a mean age of 15.3 years old ( SD age = 1.89). The content hypothesis was verified using confirmatory factor analysis. The structure hypothesis was verified through confirmatory (proxscal) multidimensional scaling. The results indicate that the six sub functions of values (content hypothesis) can be organized in a bi-dimensional space with three types of orientation and two types of motivator (structure hypothesis). Concluding, multiple indicators provide evidence for the psychometric properties of BVS in Portugal.

Resistência à Mudança Organizacional: Perspectiva Valorativa e Organizacional

This study aimed to identify which values and organizational aspects are correlated with resistance to organizational change, proposing an explanatory model which has the self-perceived performance as a criterion variable. A non-probabilistic sample of 227 employees from a public company of Joao Pessoa was considered, most of them male (83.3%), with a mean age of 40 years. Participants answered the Resistance to Organizational Change Scale, Organizational Climate Scale, Basic Values Survey, Self-Assessment of Performance Scale and demographic questions. Results indicated that the idealistic values and organizational climate explained the resistance to organizational change, which predicted self-perceived performance. In conclusion, this model may be useful for understanding the acceptation of changes in the organizational context, favoring management practices that take into account psychological and organizational variables of workers.

Valores Humanos e Significado do Dinheiro: Um Estudo Correlacional

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between human values and meaning of money for children. Participants were 1.445 children, with a mean age of 11 years (sd = 1.09; range 9-14 years), mostly male (51%), and were from north (n = 585) and northeast (n = 860) of Brazil. They answered the Meaning of Money for Children Scale (MMCS), the children version of Basic Values Survey (BVS-C) and demographic questions. Results pointed differences related to gender and region where children live, as well as correlation between happiness factor and achievement values(r = 0.28); loneliness factor and altruism were correlated with suprapersonal values (r = 0.13 and 0.26, respectively); and exclusion presented correlation with normative values (r = -0.08). In conclusion. follows that human values of children, gender and regional context influence the meaning of money.

Correlatos Valorativos do Preconceito Religioso: Um Estudo em uma Escola Pública Estadual

O objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer em que medida e direção os valores humanos se correlacionam com o preconceito religioso. Porém, previamente demandou-se construir e conhecer evidências de validade da Escala de Tolerância Religiosa (ETR). Participaram da pesquisa 200 estudantes do ensino médio de uma escola pública de João Pessoa (PB), com idade média de 17 anos (dp = 2,12), a maioria do sexo feminino (58%). Estes responderam a ETR, o Questionário dos Valores Básicos e perguntas demográficas. Os resultados indicaram correlação negativa entre as subfunções valorativas experimentação e suprapessoal com as pontuações do fator geral de preconceito religioso. Por outro lado, observou-se correlação positiva entre estas pontuações e a frequência com que os jovens participavam de atividades de sua igreja. Estes resultados foram discutidos levando em conta a concepção clássica do preconceito, destacando a importância da teoria funcionalista dos valores para explicá-lo. Finalmente, ressalta-se a importância do ensino religioso como uma alternativa para amenizar este tipo de preconceito.

Functional theory of human values: Testing its content and structure hypotheses

A theoretical analysis of the functions values fulfill is described by focusing on two widely accepted value functions: values guide actions and express needs. The interplay between these two functions yields a three-by-two framework differentiating values according to their pursued goals (personal, central or social goals) or their expressed needs (survival or thriving needs). The three-by-two framework results in six subfunctions or basic values (structure hypothesis) assessed with specific marker values forming the Basic Values Survey (content hypothesis). The present paper tests these theoretical hypotheses in a large national sample of Brazilian physicians (N=13,414). The results support both hypotheses and provide further empirical evidence for the functional theory of values. Discussion centers on the theory as a refinement of existing value models due to its parsimonious and theoretically-driven approach, and its merit as an additional theoretical tool for understanding the structure of the value domain.

Escolha do (a) parceiro (a) ideal por heterossexuais: são seus valores e traços de personalidade uma explicação?

O presente estudo objetivou conhecer em que medida os valores humanos e os traços de personalidade se correlacionam com atributos desejáveis do (a) parceiro (a) ideal entre heterossexuais. Participaram 205 pessoas (100 mulheres e 105 homens) da população geral de João Pessoa (PB). Estes responderam aos seguintes instrumentos: Questionário dos Valores Básicos, Inventário dos Cinco Grandes Fatores e Escala de Atributos do Parceiro Ideal, além de perguntas sociodemográficas. Os valores se correlacionaram de forma teoricamente esperada com os atributos, sendo mais preponderantes do que os traços de personalidade. Quando comparados, homens e mulheres diferiram na importância dada a tais atributos. Finalmente, mostrou-se adequado o modelo hierárquico traços de personalidade → valores → atributos. Estes resultados foram discutidos tomando como referência a perspectiva evolucionista da escolha de parceiro e a teoria funcionalista dos valores humanos.

Valores e motivações para responder sem preconceito frente a homossexuais

Neste artigo se objetivou conhecer os correlatos valorativos das motivações interna e externa para encarar sem preconceito a homossexualidade. Foram realizados dois estudos. No Estudo 1 participaram 234 pessoas de João Pessoa, com idade média de 26 anos, que responderam à Escala de Motivações para Responder sem Precocietos Frente a Gays e ao Questionário dos Valores Básicos e perguntas demográficas. A motivação interna se correlacionou com as subfunções suprapessoal (+) e normativa (-), enquanto a motivação externa o fez com existência (+) e normativa (+). O Estudo 2 reuniu 202 pessoas da mesma população, com idade média de 25 anos. Elas responderam os mesmos instrumentos, tendo as lésbicas como grupo-alvo. As motivações interna e externa se correlacionaram com a subfunção normativa (- e +, respectivamente). Concluindo, os valores predisseram adequadamente as motivações para olhar sem preconceito a homossexualidade e os achados foram discutidos a partir do modelo dual de valores.

Sexual Liberalism–Conservatism: The Effect of Human Values, Gender, and Previous Sexual Experience

Despite theoretical associations, there is a lack of empirical studies on the axiological basis of sexual liberalism-conservatism. Two studies demonstrated important associations between these constructs for young adults. In Study 1, participants were 353 undergraduate students with a mean age of 20.13 (SD = 1.84), who completed the Sexual Liberalism-Conservatism Scale and the Basic Values Survey. In Study 2, participants were 269 undergraduate students, with a mean age of 20.3 (SD = 1.82), who completed a social desirability scale in addition to Study 1 instruments. Results showed how values can predict sexual liberalism-conservatism after controlling for social desirability. Attitudes towards one's own sexual behavior were more conservative whereas attitudes towards other's sexual behavior were more liberal. Gender was not a significant predictor of sexual attitudes whereas previous sexual experience showed a significant association to this construct. In general, results corroborated previous findings, showing that participants with a tendency to present socially desirable answers also tended to present themselves as sexually conservative.

Valores, metas de realização e desempenho acadêmico: proposta de modelo explicativo

Este estudo objetivou conhecer em que medida os valores explicam as metas de realização e estas, por sua vez, predizem o bom desempenho acadêmico. Participaram 307 estudantes do Ensino Médio da cidade de João Pessoa (PB), sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (61,2%) e de escolas públicas (68%), com idade média de 17,6 anos. Estes responderam ao Questionário de Metas de Realização, ao Questionário dos Valores Básicos, aos Indicadores de Desempenho Acadêmico e a perguntas demográficas. A partir da realização de regressões lineares, propôs-se um modelo explicativo no qual as prioridades valorativas predisseram as metas de realização e estas, por sua vez, predisseram o desempenho acadêmico. Os resultados obtidos apontam para um ajuste satisfatório deste modelo. Não obstante, sugere-se a realização de pesquisas que possam testá-lo em diferentes amostras, bem como inserir outras variáveis que possam contribuir para o melhor entendimento do desempenho acadêmico e seus determinantes.