What are your values? The Schwartz Values Survey

What are values and why should you know yours?

Values are lasting beliefs about what matters in life. They shape our decisions, relationships and sense of meaning — often without our noticing. When you know your values, you make decisions that fit better with who you really are.

Schwartz's theory — 10 basic values

Shalom Schwartz, an Israeli psychologist, identified 10 universal human values based on research in 80+ countries:

1. Self-Direction — independence of thought and action
2. Stimulation — the need for novelty and challenge
3. Hedonism — pleasure and sensory gratification
4. Achievement — competence and social success
5. Power — status, control over resources and people
6. Security — stability, order, health
7. Conformity — respect for norms and expectations
8. Tradition — respect for customs and religion
9. Benevolence — care for those close to you, loyalty
10. Universalism — justice, tolerance, protecting nature

The values circle — conflicts and harmonies

Schwartz's values form a circle in which neighbouring values are compatible and opposite values are in conflict. For example:

• Self-Direction vs Conformity — independence versus obedience to norms
• Benevolence vs Power — caring for others versus dominance
• Stimulation vs Security — novelty versus stability

Understanding these tensions helps explain inner conflicts when you make decisions.

How to use your result

Knowing your values helps with:

• Choosing a career — work that fits your values brings greater satisfaction
• Relationships — understanding value differences in a couple or a team
• Life decisions — from moving house to changing jobs
• Coaching and therapy — as a starting point for working on yourself

Take the free Schwartz Values Test (PVQ-21) on PsychoProfil.pl — 21 questions, 10 minutes, results with interpretation.