Age and gender differences in value orientation among American adolescents

This study investigated the development of a caring value orientation in four age groups. The sample included 1,247 students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 who were asked to complete a questionnaire, containing 14 contrasting word pairs and phrases, designed to measure preference for more caring, personal values. Gender differences were found across age groups and geographic regions. These findings are discussed in terms of theories that hypothesize gender differences in worldview.