Values and identity process theory: theoretical integration and empirical interactions more

Identity Process Theory (IPT; Breakwell, 1986, 2001) and the Schwartz Value Theory (Schwartz, 1992) focus upon distinct but related aspects of the self and have some overlapping propositions particularly in regards to human motivation. Hence, it is surprising that there has been no attempt so far to integrate them theoretically or empirically. This chapter provides the first attempt to address this lacuna in the literature. After presenting key elements of the value theory and the strengths of IPT vis-à-vis competing frameworks of identity, the chapter provides a theoretical integration of the two theories, first in general, and then specifically with regard to identity, value change and social processes. The second part of the chapter provides an empirical examination of interactions between identity processes and values.

Values (e.g., achievement, tradition) convey what is important to people in their lives and according to IPT form part of the individual’s identity. The Schwartz value theory is currently the leading theory of values due to its comprehensive empirical support worldwide, while IPT elucidates the fundamental processes underlying identity construction. Both theories discuss internal organisation (of identity or values) but they differ in focus. While values constitute the criteria individuals use to evaluate actions, people, the self and events, IPT explains how and why identity structures change, particularly in the context of social change. Similarities and differences between the two theoretical frameworks are analysed in the chapter. An important common element of both IPT and values is that of change, both individual and social. Here theoretical suggestions of change in identity (e.g. Breakwell, 2004) and values (Bardi & Goodwin, in press) are integrated.

While IPT mainly outlines the processes that occur in all individuals, albeit mediated by culture, the Schwartz value theory specifies individual differences in the contents of prioritised values. Hence, the Schwartz value theory can add an individual-difference dimension to understand identity processes, which would enrich the theory. We discuss some of the theoretical and empirical advantages associated with integrating frameworks which collectively address the individual and group levels of the self. This will be examined in the empirical part of the paper by testing whether values moderate the link between certain identity principles and the centrality of self-aspects. To illustrate, we predict that the self-direction values will moderate the relationship between a distinctiveness-enhancing identity aspect and its centrality to the individual, such that for those who value self-direction, the more a self-aspect is perceived as distinguishing the self from others, the more central it will be to the individual. As another example, for who value conservation (conformity, tradition, and security), the more a self-aspect is seen as enhancing (1) belonging and (2) continuity, the more central it will be to the individual (Jaspal & Yampolsky, in press). Several other hypotheses will be tested as well.

The chapter concludes that integration of these two theories can advance the understanding of processes of the self, particularly in relation to identity and value change, and encourages researchers to incorporate both values and identity processes in their research into the self.