Personal values and changes in value priorities in a situation of uncertainty (on the example of the COVID-19 pandemic)

The relevance of the topic of tolerance to uncertainty is of particular importance during the pandemic. In theoretical terms, this situation makes it possible, within the framework of a natural experiment, to shed light on some patterns of personal changes in the conditions of growing uncertainty. Aim: the aim of the study was to identify changes in the structure and foundation of tolerance to uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of demographically comparable samples was performed before and during quarantine. The hierarchy of values (value ranking methodology), tolerance to uncertainty (MSTAT-1), and a survey were used for the purpose of the study. 348 respondents (198 men and 150 women) participated in the experiment. Results. The quarantine showed the stability of top value structures and the absence of rapid changes even under the influence of the pandemic. However, some changes were found associated with a greater importance of low-level values. Thus, the quarantine increased the importance of security and basic vital needs as opposed to such values as power and social status. In general, the level of a person's tolerance to uncertainty increased, thus, contributing to the changes in the relationship between the components of uncertainty and personal values. Conclusion. The stability of value structures in the situation of increasing uncertainty is associated with certain changes in both the middle-level values and the foundation of a person's tolerance to uncertainty.