Psychodiagnostics of Value Orientations of Adolescents: the Results of Standardization of the Methodology "Hierarchy of Life Values" by G.V. Rezapkina

Abstract

Objective of the study is to check the psychometric properties and validity of the questionnaire “Hierarchy of Life Values” (G.V. Rezapkina), which allows to determine the preferences of eight basic values (Health, Welfare, Creativity, Family, Career, Service, Glory, Recreation) for adolescents aged 10-18.
Background. At the moment, the values of a teenager are formed in a situation of social instability and value-normative uncertainty, so the task of adolescents’ values study is of great importance, imposing special requirements on the choice of research tools.
Study design. The survey was conducted online using Google forms. The questionaries “Life Values Hierarchy” (G.V. Rezapkina), “Purpose-In-Life Orientations” (D.A. Leontiev) and “Questionnaire for the study of emotional attitude to learning” (A.M. Prihozhan) were used.
Participants. The study included 1303 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years (mean age = 13,7 ± 1,7 years, median = 13 years); of these, 42% were female, 32% were male, and 26% did not indicate their sex. Measurements. Cronbach's alpha and MacDonald's omega, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes were used to test the internal consistency of the questionnaire; Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to check external validity; three-way ANOVA with Duncan's posterior test was used to determine gender and age differences; and multidimensional scaling was used to determine the space of life values.
Results. The results showed a fairly good internal consistency of all scales (Cronbach's α = 0,75-0,84), while exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes confirm the 8-factor structure of the questionnaire. External validity is confirmed by relationships with purpose-in-life orientations, motivation and emotional attitude to learning. Gender and age differences are small. Girls value creativity and glory more than boys. As adolescents age, the value of a career and material security increases, while the value of service decreases. Conclusions. The questionnaire “Life Values Hierarchy” (G.V. Rezapkina) is simple, effective, reliable and valid and can be used both for research and applied purposes for adolescents aged 10-18.