Can systems dynamics (e.g. Braun, 2001) and Fisher’s account of temperament (Fisher et al., 2015; Brown et al., 2013), be used to explore the "emergence" of values? For example, a child developing in a setting which rewards and reinforces curiosity and creativity might become increasingly sensitised to feelings associated with their dopamine system (Fisher, below), and subsequently seek experiences which offer that particular feeling of reward. This might establish a reinforcing cycle (Braun, 2001), through which the child’s temperament becomes predominantly expressive of the dopamine system. From Schwartz’ human values perspective would this child’s goal choices tend to consistently express openness to change, independence and self-direction values? Would the child’s choices be values-based insofar as they are infused with feelings, refer to desired goals, and exhibit consistency that transcends specific situations (Schwartz, 2012)?
Might Fisher’s Explorers express Schwartz’ Openness To Change values, Builders express Conservation values, Directors express Self-enhancement values, and Negotiators express Self-transcendence values?
Might accounts connecting neurochemical systems with values and feelings (e.g. Lövheim, 2012) improve the utility of the worthwhile, satisfied, happy, anxious and social trust dimensions in the subjective wellbeing literature (e.g. Michaelson et al., 2012) and enrich the goal choice (e.g. Knafo and Sagiv, 2004) and productivity literatures (e.g. Parks and Guay, 2009)?
Fisher Four broad temperament dimensions:
· Explorers expressive of the dopamine system linked with traits including: being curious, creative, spontaneous, energetic, risk-taking, novelty-seeking, mentally flexible.
· Builders expressive of the serotonin system linked with traits including being: traditional, conventional, following the rules, respecting authority.
· Directors expressive of the testosterone system linked with traits including being: analytical, logical, direct, decisive.
· Negotiators expressive of the oestrogen system linked with traits including: being empathetic, emotionally expressive, good with people.
Schwartz (2012) values super groups:
· Openness to change values: emphasise independence of thought, action, and feelings and readiness for change (self-direction, stimulation)
· Conservation values: emphasise order, self-restriction, preservation of the past, and resistance to change (security, conformity, tradition)
· Self-enhancement: emphasise pursuit of one's own interests and relative success and dominance over others (power, achievement).
· Self-transcendence: emphasise concern for the welfare and interests of others (universalism, benevolence)
References
Braun, W., 2001. The Systems Modelling Workbook. Berlin: Springer, 2001. [Online]. [Accessed 19 January 2017]. Available at http://www.albany.edu/faculty/gpr/PAD724/724WebArticles/sys_archetypes.pdf
Brown, L.L., Acevedo, B. and Fisher, H.E., 2013. Neural correlates of four broad temperament dimensions: testing predictions for a novel construct of personality. PloS one, 8(11), p.e78734.
Fisher, H.E., Island, H.D., Rich, J., Marchalik, D. and Brown, L.L., 2015. Four broad temperament dimensions: description, convergent validation correlations, and comparison with the Big Five. Frontiers in psychology, 6.
Lövheim, H., 2012. A new three-dimensional model for emotions and monoamine neurotransmitters. Medical hypotheses, 78(2), pp.341-348.
Knafo, A. and Sagiv, L. 2004. Values and work environment: Mapping 32 occupations, European Journal Of Psychology Of Education, 19 (3).
Michaelson J., Mahony, S. and Schifferes, J. 2012 Measuring Well-being: A guide for practitioners, London: New Economics Foundation.
Parks, L.,and Guay R. 2009. Personality, values, and motivation, Personality and Individual Differences, 47, pp. 675–684
Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1116
Hi Glen, sorry that I missed your question.
Thank you for this thoughtful and thought provoking proposal.
Yes, i think that temperament should provide a basis to some of the variation in values. I will update as we progress with this part of the project.
Ariel
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