VALUE ORIENTATIONS AS FACTORS OF SOCIAL TRUST, POLITICAL PARTICIPATION, AND LIFE SATISFACTION

The current paper presents results based on European Social Survey Round 2 data (2002-2004). The sample consisted of respondents from 24 countries; N = 45 681 (aged 15 - 100; M = 45.25). Several scales were used to meet the aim of the study: Schwartz's Portrait Value Questionnaire (PVQ), Social Trust Scale (STS), Trust in Institutions Scale (TIS), Political Participation Scale (PPS), Satisfaction with Life in General Scale. Participants were divided into 4 quadrants according to their PVQ scores on the dimensions openness to change vs. conservation and self-enhancement vs. self-transcendence. The results indicate that participants with self-transcendence orientation scored significantly higher in the Social Trust Scale (perceived honesty, objectivity, consistency, competence, and fairness in relationships between individuals), Trust in Social Institutions Scale (from national to international institutions), and also in the Political Participation Scale. These participants also perceived their lives as more satisfactory.