The process of value-meaning construction: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

A doss-sectional study within Portuguese adolescents, young adults and adults is presented in an attempt to explore the process of value-meaning construction. A model of values psychological structure developed by Schwartz and Bilsky (1987, 1990) is evaluated within a sample of 600 subjects. Such a model presupposes the existence of a universal organization of values on 10 content domains or motivational types. Schwartz's value survey was used to measure subjects' value priorities. Results reveal the validity of the predefined motivational types on the three samples although there are some structural variations between the samples. Such variations mall be attributed to the development characteristics of each group. Cognitive-developmental theory emerges as an adequate framework for the analysis of results, assuming the active role of the subject on the process of constructing personal-meaning-theories out of reality.