From the Interindividual to the Intraindividual Level

Abstract

According to Schwartz’s theoretical model of values, personal values are integrated in a two-dimensional circumplex structure, reflecting conflicts and compatibilities of their motivational contents. Albeit in large number, so far, all empirical studies supporting the model were based on correlations across individuals, thus capturing the circumplex structure as an emergent phenomenon of the sample. Using large representative data sets from 17 European countries, we test whether the structure also accounts for value conflict and congruity on the intraindividual level and whether this generalizes across cultures. Despite some intercultural differences in the degree, we find the circumplex model generally to be a good representation of intraindividual value (in-)compatibilities. The fit to the model was moderated by age and value preference: Persons whose value profiles show a poor fit to the model are (a) younger than the majority and (b) endorse values that are usually considered less important. Implications for research on motivational conflicts and compatibilities of values are discussed.