Basic Values - Trans-situational Goals, Guiding Principles

     "Schwartz sought to identify a comprehensive set of basic values that are recognized in all societies. He defined basic values as trans-situational goals, varying in importance, that serve as guiding principles in the life of a person or group.
     He theorized that basic values are organized into a coherent system that underlies and can help to explain individual decision making, attitudes, and behavior. This coherent structure arises from the social and psychological conflict or congruity between values that people experience when they make everyday decisions.
     values are likely to be universal because they are grounded in one or more of three universal requirements of human existence with which people must cope: needs of individuals as biological organisms, requisites of coordinated social interaction, and survival and welfare needs of groups.
     values ... focus on 
          • attaining personal or social outcomes,
          • promote growth and self-expansion or anxiety-avoidance and self-protection,
          • express openness to change or conservation of the status quo, and
          • promote self-interest or transcendence of self-interest in the service of others."
 
       Schwartz SH, Cieciuch J, Vecchione M, Davidov E, Fischer R, Beierlein C, et al. Refining the theory of basic individual values. Journal of personality and social psychology. 2012;103(4):663-88.

from Schwartz et al 2012 (see text above)

 

A Satisfied Mind

How many times have you heard someone say,
"If I had his money, I could do things my way."
But little they know, that it's so hard to find
one rich man in ten, with a satisfied mind.

Once I was winning in fortune and fame,
everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game.
Then suddenly it happened, I lost every dime
but I'm richer by far, with a satisfied mind.

Money can't buy back your youth when you're old,
a friend when you're lonely, or a love that's grown cold.
The wealthiest person, is a pauper at times
compared to the man, with a satisfied mind.

When life is ended and my time is run out,
my friends and my loved ones, will leave there's no doubt.
But one thing's for certain, when it comes my time,
I'll leave this old world, with a satisfied mind.

Dental Students' Stress - Focusing Exclusively on Goals

     A very recent systematic review showed that "dental students experience considerable levels of stress during their training. ... sources of that stress are mainly related to academic & clinical aspects of dental training. These elevated stress levels have been shown to have an effect on students’ academic performance, physical health, & psychological well-being." While medical students are known to experience high levels of anxiety & depression, "dental students reported higher stress levels in comparison to medical students."

       Elani HW et al. A Systematic Review of Stress in Dental Students. Journal of Dental Education 2014; 78(2):226-42.

     It's interesting that "examination, grades & clinical requirements" were found to be the main sources of stress for dental students. Does this mean that dental students live well-balanced, meaningful lives - the only source of stress being potential impediments to their goal of becoming a dentist? Were that the case, graduate dentists would be models of evolved conscious human beings. Students may fantasize that a dental (or any other) degree will guarantee a wonderful life. But one's occupation is only a PART of a meaningful, well-lived life.

     IF dental (medical, social work, psychology etc) students could learn to live more meaningful, balanced lives before & during professional training, wouldn't training become MUCH LESS stressful?

Elena Shumilova  http://www.flickr.com/photos/75571860@N06/11874722676/

Very Different Individuals, Goals & Values - of Equal Maturity?

     "a broad (1987) review of the literature (found) two conceptions of maturity:

     • one emphasizing adaptive functioning within society and

     • the other emphasizing intrapsychic differentiation & independence of social norms.

 

     positive mental health patterns (can be distinguished) in three groups of people:

     • those who seek the security & harmony of living in accord with social norms (Conservers),

     • those who value social recognition & achievement (Achievers),

     • and those who seek personal knowledge and independence of social norms (Seekers).

 

     because these individuals have different & often mutually exclusive orientations toward what constitutes a successful life, they develop different strengths. 

 

     Values are a part of one's identity. They are diverse and often incompatible. Theorists typically consider them to be evaluatively equal. Thus, the idea of incompatible but equally mature paths of development becomes even more compelling if one thinks in terms of different individuals moving toward different goals in accord with different values. 

 

       Helson R, Srivastava S. Three paths of adult development: conservers, seekers, and achievers. J Pers Soc Psychol 2001; 80(6): 995-1010.

 

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