Beliefs and Values

Updated: Jun 20, 2020

Belief – a conviction that something is true

God

Tooth Fairy

Santa Claus

Value – the quality of a thing that makes it more or less desirable

Forgiveness, salvation, afterlife, truth, constancy,

Money under the pillow

Presents at Christmas, altruistic feeling,

Associated behaviors - the behaviors and activities that perpetuate one’s beliefs.

Going to church, praying, helping each other

Putting tooth under pillow, anticipation of money, excitement of giving

Buying (shopping) and giving gifts, decorating, visiting others

Responses to challenges of our beliefs:

God – anger, aggression, passive aggressive, codependent

Tooth Fairy – ambivalent because we no longer believe

Santa Claus – ambivalent because we no longer believe

If we no longer believe in the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus why we are still involved in the associated behaviors?

Tradition

Expectation

To pass it on

Reclaim past things

We are motivated by both beliefs and behaviors.

What are your beliefs about yourself with regard to your personhood, your community membership, etc.?

What value does that belief hold for you?

What behaviors do you associate with your belief?

How do you respond to challenges about your beliefs about yourself?

Belief Value

I do my job well Gives me a good feeling or sense of

Accomplishment

Truthful and hardworking Feel trusted; feel better about self

Good parent Increase self-esteem, happiness, children are happy

Get along well w/ others Make it a better place, peace of mind