[Free Guide] An Introduction To Values
People’s lives feel unfulfilling or directionless if they’re not guided by values. An Introduction to Values is a practical self-help guide designed to introduce the reader to some key concepts about values, and to help them take their first steps towards what matters to them. Developed in collaboration with Dr Jenna LeJeune, the guide is an abridged version of Values: Connecting To What Matters, and is available for free! The full version includes more exercises and information to help readers refocus on achieving a well-lived life.
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- English (GB)
- English (US)
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Values are an important source of motivation and meaning (Hitlin & Piliavin, 2004). They have some important characteristics (Harris, 2019):
- Values are desired. People choose values that capture how they want to behave. They do not act in these ways based on logic, external pressure, or moral principles, but because it matters to them.
- Values are global qualities. Values can unite and coordinate different behaviors over time. For instance, a person can express their value of being compassionate in multiple ways.
- Values are ongoing actions. They are dynamic and evolving “ways of living” or “life directions” that people pursue, such as living lovingly, playfully, or with perseverance (Hayes, 2019). These values can be lived with your family, at work, in your relationships, or in other contexts.
- Choice is integral to values. People construct and choose their values without needing to explain, justify, or rationalize them (Hayes et al., 2012).
Unfortunately, people often lose touch with
Therapist Guidance
This is a Psychology Tools guide. Suggested uses include:
- Handout. Use as a psychoeducation and skills-development resource.
- Discussion point. Provoke a discussion and explore beliefs.
- Learning tool. Improve familiarity with a psychological construct.
References And Further Reading
- Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy. New Harbinger Publications.
- Hayes, S. C., Pistorello, J., & Levin, M. E. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Unified Model of Behavior Change. The Counseling Psychologist, 40(7), 976-1002. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000012460836
- Hayes, S. (2019). A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters. New York: Avery.
- Hitlin, S., & Piliavin, J. A. (2004). Values: Reviving a dormant concept. Annual Review of Sociology, 30, 359-393.
- LeJeune, J., & Luoma, J. B. (2019). Values in therapy: A clinician’s guide to helping clients explore values, increase psychological flexibility, and live a more meaningful life. New Harbinger Publications.
- Luoma, J. B., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. D. (2007). Learning ACT: An acceptance & commitment therapy skills-training manual for therapists. New Harbinger Publications.
- Plumb, J. C., Stewart, I., Dahl, J., & Lundgren, T. (2009). In search of meaning: Values in modern clinical behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst,