Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. April S. Masarik, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-2025
Abstract
Experience is the key to everyone’s emotional development, rather than knowledge and information gathering (Haidt, 2024). This study, conducted under Dr. April Masarik’s Human Universals Project in the Human Development and Ecology Lab, explores shared human values and life philosophies across generations – challenging the idea that moral differences are solely generational. Using Jonathan Haidt and Jesse Graham’s Moral Foundations Theory and Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis, I’m analyzing student autobiographical narratives from a PSYC 419 course (n = 94) to identify how value systems develop and function. In previous literature reviews and analyses, nine core themes emerged. A tenth theme has surfaced as data collection continues: “value systems ground us.” This multifaceted theme shows that values often serve as support systems, whether through fantasy, habit, or coping, in helping people navigate adversity. This finding is supported by Dr. Becky Kennedy’s parenting research, referencing Ronald Fairbairn: “for kids, it’s better to be a sinner in a world ruled by God than to live in a world ruled by the Devil” (2023). Even in maladaptive environments, belief systems offer structure and psychological security. This IRB-approved study is ongoing, with participant consent being collected for quote publication. Ultimately, this work highlights how iterative and ever-evolving value systems are as we aim to bridge the divide of intergenerational awareness and understanding, hoping to encourage a greater empathy for others.
More Than an "Anxious" Generation: How Value Systems Anchor the Human Experience
Experience is the key to everyone’s emotional development, rather than knowledge and information gathering (Haidt, 2024). This study, conducted under Dr. April Masarik’s Human Universals Project in the Human Development and Ecology Lab, explores shared human values and life philosophies across generations – challenging the idea that moral differences are solely generational. Using Jonathan Haidt and Jesse Graham’s Moral Foundations Theory and Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis, I’m analyzing student autobiographical narratives from a PSYC 419 course (n = 94) to identify how value systems develop and function. In previous literature reviews and analyses, nine core themes emerged. A tenth theme has surfaced as data collection continues: “value systems ground us.” This multifaceted theme shows that values often serve as support systems, whether through fantasy, habit, or coping, in helping people navigate adversity. This finding is supported by Dr. Becky Kennedy’s parenting research, referencing Ronald Fairbairn: “for kids, it’s better to be a sinner in a world ruled by God than to live in a world ruled by the Devil” (2023). Even in maladaptive environments, belief systems offer structure and psychological security. This IRB-approved study is ongoing, with participant consent being collected for quote publication. Ultimately, this work highlights how iterative and ever-evolving value systems are as we aim to bridge the divide of intergenerational awareness and understanding, hoping to encourage a greater empathy for others.