Basic human values during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of pandemic experience

This paper inspects the changes in basic human values (“Schwartz values”) during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as analyzes the associations between values and negative pandemic experiences. Using the 4 waves of the panel online survey ‘Values in Crisis’ conducted in 2020–2022 in Russia, the study highlights the short-term nature of value changes and general stability of orientations. The findings demonstrate a small decrease in conformity, stimulation and self-enhancement at the beginning of the pandemic, along with a decline in self-transcendence and self-enhancement and an increase in hedonism by the end of the period. Additionally, the results illustrate fluctuations in conformity values throughout the pandemic. Multilevel regression models indicate positive associations of health-related concerns with conservation, and the opposite relationship – with openness to change. Negative economic experiences, both first-hand and prospective, demonstrate a reverse association with tradition. Further analysis suggests that the impact of health-related experiences decreases over time, whereas economic-related issues become more important. The study contributes to understanding value dynamics during crises, highlighting the differential and evolving impact of pandemic-related experiences on human values.