The Measurement of Three Lifestyle Values: Resourcefulness, Responsibility and Relationships to others

Abstract

A theory proposing three distinct, effective types of family systems [1] guided the definition and operationalization of three lifestyle value constructs. A simple, reliable and valid measure of three aspects of living – resourcefulness, responsibility and relationships to others – was developed. In a first study, 216 graduate students in six fields rated themselves on a list of thirty-six adjectives selected to comprise the three scales. Factor analysis supported the constructs. Scores were independent of gender and bore expected relationships to program affiliation. In a second study, eighty-three adults completed a forced-choice form of the instrument, rating both themselves and their spouses. They also completed the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and a semi-structured individual interview. Scores from the four measures were entered into a multitrait-multimethod matrix which demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity for the constructs. The usefulness of studying the priorities that people assign to the three aspects of living is explored.