Value structure at an early age

Abstract

Research with adult subjects has provided evidence for the validity of Schwartz’ (1992) theory on the structure of values. However, information about children and adolescents is scarce. Using the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-29) to test the applicability of Schwartz’ values theory to this population, a sample of 1555 German subjects aged 10 to 17 was investigated. Value structure was analyzed for the whole sample and for different age groups. Results broadly confirm the validity of Schwartz’ theory. They do not show the hypothesized correspondence between age and structural complexity, as operationalized by the number of distinct value types. Rather, the value structure of 10 to 12 year olds is nearly as differentiated as that of 15 to 17 year olds.