| dc.description.abstract | This study examined, first, basic human values’ and life goals’ factor structures
and the reciprocal links between these measures; second, the connections
between personality traits and values, and possible gender differences in these
relations; and third, the relations between life goals and mental well-being, and
whether life goals act as mediators in the associations between personality traits
and mental well-being. The participants were drawn from the Jyväskylä
Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS). Data used
here were collected at ages 42 and 50 (n = 212–242). The results yielded a 14-
factor value structure (societal concern, tolerance, protecting nature, caring,
dependability, autonomy of thought, autonomy of action, stimulation,
hedonism, achievement, tradition, security, conformity, and power). The 14
value factors further formed four higher order value types (self-transcendence,
self-enhancement, conservation, and openness to change) and two higher order
value dimensions (person- and social-focused). For life goals, three factors were
found: soul-searching (items of mental performance, independence, life
reflection, and death), basic needs (sexuality, family, and work), and pleasure
(hobbies, relationships, and health). The 14 value factors and three life goal
factors showed several positive and significant associations. The personality
traits of extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness
contributed moderately to 10 of the 14 values. The relationships between
personality traits and values were partially different in men and women. In
women, leisure-related goals (hobbies, relationships, and sexuality) were
positively connected with emotional, psychological, and social well-being. In
men, performance-related goals (mental performance, family, work, and
economic welfare) positively contributed to psychological and social well-being,
and leisure-related goals social well-being. Moreover, in women, investment in
leisure-related goals partially mediated the positive associations from low
neuroticism and high extraversion to emotional well-being, while in men
investment in performance-related goals partially mediated the positive
associations between extraversion and psychological well-being. | |
