Self Assessment

Terminal and Instrumental Values

On the following two pages are two lists of values, each in alphabetical order. Each value is

accompanied by a short description and a blank space. Your goal is to rank each value in its

order of importance to you for each of the two lists. Study each list and think of how much each

value may act as a guiding principle in your life.

To begin, select the value that is of most importance to you. Write the number 1 in the blank

space next to that value. Next, choose the value that is of second in importance to you and write

the number 2 in the blank next to it. Work your way through the list until you have ranked all 18

values on this page. The value that is of least importance to you should have the number 18.

When you have finished ranking all 18 values, turn the page and rank the next 18 values in the

same way. Please do each page separately.

When ranking, take your time and think carefully. Feel free to go back and change your order

should you have second thoughts about any of your answers. When you have completed the

ranking of both sets of values, the result should represent an accurate picture of how you really

feel about what’s important in your life.

A Comfortable Life __2___

a prosperous life

Equality __13___

brotherhood and equal opportunity for all

An Exciting Life __3___

a stimulating, active life

Family Security __7___

taking care of loved ones

Freedom ___14__

independence and free choice

Health ___1__

physical and mental well-being

Inner Harmony ____4_

freedom from inner conflict

Mature Love ___6__

sexual and spiritual intimacy

National Security ___18__

protection from attack

Pleasure ___5__

an enjoyable, leisurely life

Salvation __12___

saved; eternal life

Self-Respect __11___

self-esteem

A Sense of Accomplishment _9____

a lasting contribution

Social Recognition __10___

respect and admiration

True Friendship ___15__

close companionship

Wisdom __8___

a mature understanding of life

A World at Peace ___17__

a world free of war and conflict

A World of Beauty _16____

beauty of nature and the arts

Ambitious _4____

hardworking and aspiring

Broad-minded __13___

open-minded

Capable ___17__

competent; effective

Clean ___9__

neat and tidy

Courageous __6___

standing up for your beliefs

Forgiving ___5__

willing to pardon others

Helpful __10___

working for the welfare of others

Honest ____11_

sincere and truthful

Imaginative _7____

daring and creative

Independent _16____

self-reliant; self-sufficient

Intellectual __15___

intelligent and reflective

Logical ___18__

consistent; rational

Loving __1___

affectionate and tender

Loyal ___2__

faithful to friends or the group

Obedient _8____

dutiful; respectful

Polite __12___

courteous and well-mannered

Responsible __3___

dependable and reliable

Self-controlled _14____

restrained; self-disciplined