Benevolence Value Importance

What it measures

Nine items from the Schwartz Value Survey assess the degree to which a person prioritises the welfare of those in their immediate social circle—including honesty, loyalty, responsibility, friendship, and meaning in life.

Response format

9-point rating scale (1=opposed to my values, 9=of supreme importance)

Scale items

• HELPFUL (working for the welfare of others)
• HONEST (genuine, sincere)
• FORGIVING (willing to pardon others)
• LOYAL (faithful to my friends, group)
• RESPONSIBLE (dependable, reliable)
• A SPIRITUAL LIFE (emphasis on spiritual not material matters)
• TRUE FRIENDSHIP (close, supportive friends)
• MATURE LOVE (deep emotional and spiritual intimacy)
• MEANING IN LIFE (a purpose in life)

Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Derived from Schwartz (1992); the Schwartz Value Survey has been validated across many countries. Alpha .81. Items are presented as value descriptors with brief parenthetical elaborations.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Burroughs, J. E., & Rindfleisch, A. (2002). Materialism and well-being: A conflicting values perspective. Journal of Consumer Research, 29(3), 348–370.

Keywords