The well-being and ill-being impacts of values clarification: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Values play a central role in living a fulfilling life. However, the literature on interventions to clarify core values is widely dispersed. To address this, we performed a systematic review of RCTs that encouraged participants to select, reflect on, and (occasionally) act on their values. We investigated the impact this had on hedonic, eudaimonic, and ill-being outcomes. Across 50 studies (N = 12,634), we found evidence that values clarification can positively impact well-being relative to controls. Positive affect, relatedness, meaning, and valued living showed the most consistent improvement. Life satisfaction, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression were the least likely to improve. However, when participants were encouraged to act on their values or set value-concordant goals, the well-being benefits were more consistent. The quality of most studies was low to moderate. Nonetheless, these findings support the positive impact of interventions that help people clarify their values, with benefits for various helping professions.