Personal Values Assessment

The Schwartz values survey is a self-report questionnaire that includes value items that represent ten motivationally distinct universal human values. It is based on Schwartz’s theory of basic values which outlines the importance of core values in life. He defines values as desirable, trans-situational goals, varying in importance, that serve as guiding principles in people’s lives. (Schwartz et al. 2012)

The Schwartz theory of basic values identifies 10 core personal values, which are differentiated by the underlying goal or motivation. They include:

Self-Direction – independent, action–choosing, creating, and exploring

Stimulation – excitement, and novelty

Hedonism – pleasure for oneself

Achievement – personal success by demonstrating competence

Power – social status, control, or dominance

Security – safety, harmony, and stability

Conformity – restraint of actions likely to upset or harm others

Tradition – respect, commitment, and acceptance of the customs

Benevolence – preserving and enhancing the welfare of close people

Universalism – appreciation, and protection of the welfare of all people and nature

The personal value system determines behavior, ideals, principles, morals, and conduct. It serves self-exploration, self-enhancement, and self-recognition. Values are “freely chosen, verbally constructed consequences of ongoing, dynamic, evolving patterns of activity, which establish predominant reinforcers for actions that are intrinsic in engagement in the valued behavioral pattern itself” (Wilson & DuFrene, 2009, p. 66).

Several tools help identify different types of values in life. One of the most scientifically valid tests that our quiz is based on is the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) grounded on Schwartz’s theory of values. (Schwartz et al. 2012)

The Valued Living Questionnaire is another self-report quiz that helps to identify the values that we think are most important to us, suggests how they influenced our actions over the past week and how our actions are consistent with values (Wilson, Sandoz, Kitchens, & Roberts, 2010). The Personal Values Assessment also aims to assess the underlying causes of our actions by measuring how aligned we are to our internal values and judgment at present. This test also suggests ways to restore mental balance and reduce internal conflicts by reflecting our values on our actions.

Use Gyfted’s Personal Values Quiz on this page to assess your values and understand how they impact your everyday decisions and motivations. Values are like a signpost that tells us which way to go to get where we want and to get what we desire at a fundamental, intrinsic level.