The Temporal Reciprocity of Values and Beliefs

Abstract

Values and beliefs (or social axioms) are important personality constructs, but little previous work has examined the relationship between the two, and none has examined their real-life longitudinal effects on one another. Major life transitions – such as moving to a new culture – can challenge existing values and beliefs, and therefore provide a particularly useful context for the analysis of value and belief change. The main aim of this research was to examine whether values may predict theoretically meaningful belief change and vice versa. Polish migrants participated in the study shortly after their arrival in the UK, and at two, subsequent, nine-month intervals (N = 172). Cross-lagged effects suggested reciprocal effects of values and beliefs, depending on the value involved. Findings are discussed in the light of current debates over personality change, as well as the broader impact of significant life transitions on personality.