Ethics-relevant values in adulthood: Longitudinal findings from the life and time study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Developmental Science

Background:

• Values related to self-interest versus community concern may represent stable dispositions.
• Ethics-relevant values can evolve through socialization, aligning with theories of mature value development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental trajectories of values concerning self-interest and community.
• To examine both age-related differences and longitudinal changes in value priorities.

Main Methods:

• Administered eight value priority scales to a national community sample (N=864) over four yearly occasions.
• Analyzed mean-level change, cross-sectional age differences, longitudinal change, and rank-order stability.
• Correlated value changes with Big Five/Big Six personality traits.

Main Results:

• Older individuals showed increases in Mature Values and Collectivism (Horizontal and Vertical), and decreases in Unmitigated Self-Interest, Materialism, and Vertical Individualism.
• Value scores demonstrated high rank-order stability, comparable to personality traits over three years.
• Value stability increased with age for certain scales.

Conclusions:

• Value scores exhibit dispositional characteristics due to their stability.
• Observed age differences and longitudinal trends support socialization towards more inclusive value priorities.