What Are My Core Values?
40 questions. ~10 minutes. Based on Schwartz Values Theory (PVQ-40).
Free. No account required. See your top values ranked by personal priority.
What this measures
Schwartz Values Theory identifies 10 universal value types that exist across cultures. This assessment shows your relative priorities: which values matter most to you compared to your other values. The results are within-person rankings, not comparisons to other people.
The 10 values form a circular structure where adjacent values (like Achievement and Power, or Benevolence and Universalism) tend to be compatible, while opposing values (like Self-Direction and Conformity, or Achievement and Benevolence) can create internal tension. Understanding this structure helps explain why certain decisions feel conflicted.
Common questions
What are the 10 Schwartz values?
The 10 Schwartz value types are: Self-Direction (independent thought, creativity), Stimulation (excitement, novelty), Hedonism (pleasure, enjoyment), Achievement (personal success), Power (social status, control), Security (safety, stability), Conformity (restraint, social norms), Tradition (respect for customs), Benevolence (welfare of close others), and Universalism (understanding, tolerance for all). These are arranged in a circular structure where adjacent values are compatible and opposing values create tension.
How do values differ from personality traits?
Personality traits describe how you tend to behave (e.g., high Conscientiousness means you're organized and disciplined). Values describe what you consider important (e.g., high Achievement means personal success matters deeply to you). You can value something without naturally being good at it, and vice versa. Understanding both gives you a more complete self-portrait.
Can values change over time?
Values can shift, particularly after significant life experiences like parenthood, career changes, health crises, or cross-cultural exposure. Core values tend to be relatively stable in adulthood, but their relative priority can change. Someone who valued Achievement highly in their 20s may find Benevolence or Universalism rising in importance later in life.