Drawing on Schwartz’s value theory and self-determination theory, this study addressed how South Korean adolescents organize competing life priorities within their sociocultural context. Using a nationally representative sample ( N = 7,540), this study examined heterogeneity in value orientations across 11 life domains. Latent profile analysis identified three groups: an intrinsic stability-oriented group emphasizing family and personal stability values, a low-value group with diffuse commitments, and an integrative high-value group showing broadly elevated value endorsement. Multinomial logistic regression showed that positive family relationships were associated with both intrinsic stability-oriented and integrative profiles. Challenge-oriented attitudes and lower materialism distinguished the stability-oriented group, whereas higher subjective happiness and stronger internal future control characterized the integrative group. A nonlinear school-level pattern emerged, with middle school students (grades 7–9) showing greater likelihood of diffuse orientations rather than integrated value patterns. These findings highlight how sociocultural pressures and developmental contexts can shape adolescents’ value orientations.
Na Han (Wed,) studied this question.