Values are often used to examine cultural variability. Yet, little research has focused on the functions that values fulfill and the implications of these functions for understanding cultural variability. This paper describes a theoretical analysis of the functions of values based on 2 widely accepted pan-cultural functions: values guide actions and express needs. The theoretical model proposes that the first function differentiates values according to the goals pursued (personal, central, or social goals), whereas the second function differentiates values according to the needs expressed (survival or thriving needs). A combination of these 2 functions yields 6 basic values (structural hypothesis) with specific marker values (content hypothesis). Support for the hypotheses was obtained in a large convenience national sample (N = 5,176) of Brazilian university students with confirmatory factor analysis and multidimensional scaling. Central values were located between personal and social values, and survival and thriving values separated into 2 regions. Theoretical and cross-cultural implications of the findings, especially the universality of the general structure of motivational aims, are discussed, along with interpretations of existing value scales from a functional perspective.

Los valores se emplean para examinar la variabilidad cultural, pero ha sido escasa la investigación centrada en las funciones de los valores y sus implicaciones para comprender la variabilidad cultural. El artículo analiza teóricamente las funciones de los valores basado en 2 funciones panculturales ampliamente aceptadas: los valores guían acciones y expresan necesidades. El modelo teórico propone que la primera función distingue a los valores según las metas perseguidas (personales, centrales o sociales); la segunda función los diferencia según las necesidades (de supervivencia o crecimiento). La combinación de estas funciones arroja 6 valores básicos (hipótesis estructural) con valores marcadores específicos (hipótesis de contenido). Estas hipótesis fueron apoyadas en una muestra intencionada nacional amplia (N = 5.176) de estudiantes universitarios brasileños, por medio de análisis factorial confirmatorio y escalamiento multidimensional. Los valores centrales se situaron entre los valores personales y sociales y los de supervivencia y de crecimiento se separaron en 2 áreas. Se discuten las implicaciones teóricas y transculturales de los resultados, especialmente la universalidad de la estructura general de metas motivacionales, junto con interpretaciones de escalas de valores existentes.

El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido conocer la orientación axiológica de los colombianos, y reunir evidencias empíricas con respecto a la adecuación de la teoría funcionalista de los valores en Colombia, comprobando sus hipótesis de contenido y estructura y las propiedades psicométricas de su medida (el Cuestionario de Valores Básicos, CVB). El CVB evalúa sexualidad, éxito, apoyo social, conocimiento, emoción, poder, afectividad, religiosidad, salud, placer, prestigio, obediencia, estabilidad personal, pertenencia, belleza, tradición, supervivencia y madurez. Participaron 230 personas (112 varones y 118 mujeres) con edad promedio de 28.7 años, provenientes de 50 ciudades y pueblos de Colombia. Contestaron el CVB y preguntas demográficas. Los resultados respaldan las hipótesis de contenido (seis subfunciones valorativas: experimentación, realización, existencia, suprapersonal, interactiva y normativa) y estructura (los valores representados en dos dimensiones: tipo de orientación y tipo de motivador). Corroborando investigaciones anteriores, se encontró que los colombianos presentan una orientación valorativa más social que personal, y más idealista (humanista) que materialista. Los principales valores fueron éxito, madurez y afectividad. Los menos importantes fueron poder, tradición, belleza y emoción. En conclusión, existen evidencias iniciales de la adecuación de la teoría funcionalista de los valores en dicha cultura, aunque se recomienda realizar nuevos estudios, incluso pensando en una medida emic de los valores en este país.

The objective of this research work has been to get to know the axiological orientation of Colombians, and gather empirical evidence regarding the suitability of the functionalist theory of values in Colombia, testing its content and structure hypothesis and the psychometric properties of its measurement (Basic Values Questionnaire BVQ). The BVQ evaluates sexuality, success, social support, knowledge, emotion, power, affection, religiosity, health, pleasure, prestige, obedience, personal stability, belonging, beauty, tradition, survival, and maturity. Two hundred and thirty people participated (112 men and 118 women) whose average age was 28.7 years old, from 50 cities and towns of Colombia. They answered the BVQ and demographic questions. The results gave support to the content hypothesis (six valorative sub-functions: excitement, promotion, existence, suprapersonal, interactive and normative) and to structure (the values represented in two dimensions: orientation type and motivation type). Verifying previous research, it was found that Colombians presented a value orientation which was more social than personal, and more idealistic (humanist) than materialistic. The main values were success, maturity and affection. The least important were power, tradition, beauty and emotion. In conclusion, there is an initial evidence of the suitability about the functionalist theory of values in this culture, although it is advisable to conduct new studies, even thinking in an emic measurement of the values in this country.

Este estudo objetivou conhecer em que medida os valores explicam as atitudes frente à tatuagem e estas, por sua vez, predizem a intenção de tatuar-se. Participaram 263 estudantes universitários de João Pessoa, com idade média de 20,7 anos, a maioria homem (54,7%) e solteira (91%). Estes responderam a Escala de Atitudes frente à Tatuagem, o Questionário dos Valores Básicos e perguntas demográficas (idade, sexo, religiosidade). Os resultados indicaram atitudes dos participantes mais negativas frente à tatuagem, sobretudo aqueles de ciências exatas e naturais. Comprovou-se a adequação de um modelo triádico, onde os valores predisseram as atitudes frente à tatuagem e, estas, a intenção de tatuar-se. Especificamente, a subfunção normativa promoveu atitudes negativas frente à tatuagem, enquanto a subfunção experimentação favoreceu aquelas mais positivas. Conclui-se que as atitudes frente à tatuagem têm base valorativa, explicando a intenção de tatuar-se. Sugeriram-se pesquisas futuras que contribuam para explicar as atitudes frente à tatuagem.

This study investigated the extent to which values explain the attitudes towards tattoos and these, in turn, predict the intention of tattooing. Participants were 263 undergraduate students from João Pessoa (Brazil), with mean age of 20.7 years, mostly men (54.7%) and unmarried (91%). They answered the Attitudes toward Tattoo Scale, the Basic Values Survey and demographic questions (age, gender, and religiosity). Results indicated that the participants' attitudes toward tattooing were predominantly negatives, especially among students of natural and exact sciences. The adequacy of a triadic model was proved, where human values predicted attitudes toward tattooing and these, the intention of getting tattooed. Specifically, the value subfunction normative promoted negative attitudes toward tattooing, while the subfunction excitement favored more positive attitudes. In conclusion, attitudes toward tattooing have a value basis, accounting for people intention of getting tattooed. Future research is suggested to contribute on the explanation of attitudes toward tattooing.

O estudo do traço de busca de sensações permite explicar diversos comportamentos de risco. Considerando sua relevância e a ausência de medida específica no Brasil, decidiu-se adaptar o Inventário de Arnett de Busca de Sensações. Este é formado por 20 itens, medindo dois fatores: novidade e intensidade. Participaram da pesquisa 279 estudantes do ensino médio de escolas particulares e públicas, com idade média de 17 anos, igualmente distribuídos quanto ao sexo, provenientes de João Pessoa (n=108) e Teresina (n=171). Por meio de análises fatoriais confirmatórias, testaram-se quatro modelos, segundo o número de fatores (um ou dois) e itens (12 ou 20). Os resultados mostraram que o modelo bifatorial reduzido apresentou melhores índices de ajuste. Os fatores e a pontuação total desse instrumento apresentaram consistência interna aceitável, estando correlacionados com sexo e idade dos participantes. Tais resultados justificam a utilização dessa medida em estudos futuros.

The study of sensation seeking trait is able to explain several risky behaviors. Considering its relevance and the lack of specific instruments to measure it in Brazil, it was decided to adapt the Arnett Inventory of Sensation. It is composed by 20 items, measuring two factors: novelty and intensity. Participants were 279 high school students of private and public schools from João Pessoa (n=108) and Teresina (n=171). They had mean age of 17 years old, being equally distributed for sex. Using confirmatory factor analysis, four models were tested according to the number of factors (one or two) and items (12 or 20). Results showed that the reduced bifactorial model presented the best fit indices. The factors and the total score of this instrument presented acceptable internal consistency, being correlated with sex and age. These results justify the use of this instrument in subsequent studies.