The Relationship of Youth Family Values with Hedonism and Eudemonia

Introduction. A notable trend in modern society is the transformation of family institution, which has long been considered the most important social and personal value. The change of attitudes of young people towards marriage in Russia is slower than in Europe; however, this process is becoming more obvious today and there is an urgent need to study it. So far, very little research has been carried out. In psychology and other social sciences, it is widely believed that the family formation is hampered by a hedonistic worldview. However, it is well known that the family provides the opportunities to meet many important human needs. This contradiction has prompted the direction of the present research.

The aim of this research is to empirically investigate whether there is the conflict of the perceptions of the Russian young people about family values and hedonic and eudemonic orientations.

Methodology and research methods. The empirical research was conducted using K. Peterson’s questionnaire “Happiness Orientations”. 173 students (49% female) took part in the research project. To assess the importance of family and different family values, the authors of the present research elaborated a special questionnaire, the reliability of which was confirmed in the course of approbation. The information obtained was processed through the means of correlation, regression analysis and nonparametric statistics in Statistica 10; confirmatory factor analysis of questionnaires was performed in Mplus 7.

Results. The results of path analysis of interrelations between hedonism, eudemonia and family values indicated that family values were correlated not only with the orientation to meaningful and dignified life (eudemonia), but also with the orientation to pleasure (hedonism). The orientation hedonism was higher in young women; therefore, multiple regression analysis of the relationship between the studied phenomena was conducted in separate male and female groups of respondents. The results demonstrated that the value of birth and child-rearing in women is correlated with hedonism; the general value of family in male respondents is related with eudemonia.

Scientific novelty. This investigation confirms that there is no contradiction between hedonism and family values. The research findings deduce that both eudemonic and hedonic orientations support family values, although the system of relationships between these orientations may vary according to gender. This finding expands our knowledge about hedonism and its role in modern society.

Practical significance. The research results expand the understanding of hedonism and its role in modern society, clarifying the content of activities to prepare young people for family life. In order to enhance the effectiveness of such psychological and pedagogical support, one should take into account the hedonic tendencies of young people, revealing the importance of family formation in the context of personal happiness.

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