Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People

Reflective questions to help children and adolescents discover what matters most to them

ACTInfo SheetFree ResourceLast reviewed April 2026

Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People

Reflective questions to help children and adolescents discover what matters most to them

Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People

Reflective questions to help children and adolescents discover what matters most to them

Personal values serve as an internal compass that guides choices, shapes identity, and influences well-being. Research in developmental psychology (Cieciuch et al., 2021) shows that value formation accelerates during late childhood and adolescence, making this an ideal period for guided exploration. These discussion questions are designed to help young people identify, examine, and articulate their emerging values. They can be used in individual therapy, family sessions, or group settings.

How Values Grow and Change

The things we care about often shift as we move through different chapters of life. What felt most important to you a few years ago may be different from what matters to you now. Think about a time when something you valued changed. What happened that made it change? How do you feel about that shift today?Example: A teenager might share that popularity used to feel like the most important thing, but after a difficult experience they now value having a few close, trustworthy friends.

Where Your Values Come From

Our values are shaped by the people around us, including family, friends, teachers, and the broader culture. Some of our values closely mirror what we were taught, while others develop through our own experiences and independent thinking. How are your values similar to or different from those of your family or friend group? Are there any values you hold that feel uniquely your own?Example: A young person might realize they share their family's value of education but have developed their own strong belief in environmental responsibility that no one else at home talks about.

People You Admire

We can learn a lot about our own values by looking at who we admire. Think of a person, whether someone you know personally, a public figure, or a fictional character, whose qualities you respect. What do you admire about them? What does your admiration for this person reveal about your own values?Example: Admiring a coach who always treats players fairly, even under pressure, might reveal that you value fairness and composure.

What Bothers You and Why

Strong reactions to other people's behavior can be a window into what we value most. When you see someone behaving in a way that really bothers you, it often means they are acting against something you care about deeply. Think of a behavior that frustrates you in others. What value of yours does that behavior conflict with? How would you handle the same situation differently?Example: If it really bothers you when someone makes fun of a classmate, that strong reaction likely signals that you value kindness and respect.

Values That Are Still Forming

Sometimes a specific experience, whether positive or difficult, introduces a new value into our lives or makes an existing one stronger. Can you think of a recent experience that changed what matters to you? Maybe a friendship taught you about loyalty, or a challenge taught you about perseverance. What did you learn about yourself?Example: A young person might share that training for a difficult sports season taught them the value of persistence, something they had not thought much about before.

Living Your Values

Knowing your values is one thing; living them consistently is another. Most people experience moments when their actions do not fully align with what they believe is important. This is a normal part of being human. Which of your values do you find hardest to live by? What gets in the way? What is one small step you could take this week to act more in line with that value?Example: Someone might value courage but admit they stayed quiet when a friend was being excluded. A small step could be speaking up the next time they notice it happening.

How Others See Your Values

We sometimes show different sides of ourselves depending on the setting. You might act one way with your family, another way with friends, and yet another way with teachers or coaches. Think of three people from different parts of your life. How do you think each of them would describe what you care about? Do their perspectives match how you see yourself?Example: Your teacher might say you value hard work, your best friend might say you value humor, and your parent might say you value independence. All three could be true.