Personal values in adolescence and sense of coherence in adulthood: A cross-sectional study based on a retrospective recall

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively examine the association between personal values in adolescence and sense of coherence (SOC) in adulthood.

Methods: J-SHINE data from wave 1 (2010) and wave 3 (2017) were used in this study. We retrospectively measured personal values at age 15 in 2017 in two ways: (a) value priorities developed from Schwartz's theory of basic values; and (b) the commitment to values measured by Personal Values Questionnaire II (PVQ-II). Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the association.

Results: Having a value priority of belief, pursuing one's interest, enduring active challenges, cherishing family and friends, and having a commitment to values in adolescence were significantly and positively associated, while avoiding causing trouble was significantly and negatively associated with SOC in adulthood.

Conclusions: Personal values in adolescence may be associated with SOC in adulthood. Research of personal values in adolescence could contribute to the understanding the development of SOC.

Keywords: commitment to values; personal values in adolescence; sense of coherence; value priorities.