Refining the theory of basic individual values

We propose a refined theory of basic individual values intended to provide greater heuristic and explanatory power than the original theory of 10 values (Schwartz, 1992). The refined theory moreaccurately expresses the central assumption of the original theory that research has largely ignored:Values form a circular motivational continuum. The theory defines and orders 19 values on thecontinuum based on their compatible and conflicting motivations, expression of self-protection versusgrowth, and personal versus social focus. We assess the theory with a new instrument in 15 samples from10 countries (N = 6,059). Confirmatory factor and multidimensional scaling analyses support discriminationof the 19 values, confirming the refined theory. Multidimensional scaling analyses largely supportthe predicted motivational order of the values. Analyses of predictive validity demonstrate that there fined values theory provides greater and more precise insight into the value underpinnings of beliefs.Each value correlates uniquely with external variables.