Assessing values at an early age: the Picture-Based Value Survey for Children (PBVS-C).

ABSTRACT

In this article, we introduce the Picture-Based Value Survey for Children (PBVS-C) a new assessment instrument that was developed within the conceptual framework of Schwartz's (1994) theory of universal human values. In the article, we describe the development of the PBVS-C with a specific focus on children's cognitive-developmental background (Harter, 1999; La Greca, 1990) and first applications. Multidimensional Scaling analyses in 2 samples of 8- to 12-year-old children (N= 267, N= 421, respectively) revealed highly differentiated structural patterns that closely correspond to Schwartz's theory. We discuss these findings and the potentials and limitations of the new instrument with respect to future directions of values research.