Agnieszka Bojanowska
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: What people believe, how they realize their beliefs in action and if feel that they do this efficiently may impact various aspects of their wellbeing in different ways? In our study we analyzed how values (openness to change, self-transcendence, self-enhancement, and conservation), value-related behaviors and perceived self-efficacy of these behaviors impact eudaimonia, satisfaction, positive and negative affect . Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We used Schwartz’s value circle and our own behavior and self-efficacy questionnaires based on Schwartz’s conception. Participants (N=1015, national Polish sample) filled out a series of questionnaires online, indicating what they believed, how they behaved and how they perceived their behaviors. We conducted a series of regressions and confirmed our hypotheses. Findings: Values impacted well-being domains in various ways. Valuing self enhancement (e.g. power, achievement) proved to be damaging for well-being, and this effect was further intensified by engagement in activities aimed at realizing these values (e.g. actively pursuing power), especially if these behaviors were perceived as effective. Other values had positive or no effect, but in some cases behaviors related to specific value (e.g. self-transcendence expressed in caring behaviors) proved to be more significant than the belief that the value is important. Our findings bear significant implications for practice – they show that if values are used in interventions aimed at well-being, they may be used in more precise ways. In some cases the interventions should be aimed at beliefs (values, cognitive constructs), while in others at behaviors or self-perceptions. Our results may serve as a starting point for the development of precise social interventions or therapeutic protocols that consider values significant (e.g. in ACT therapy)