@article {40619,
	title = {Adolescent values and well-being: A large-scale two-wave longitudinal study in China},
	journal = {Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being},
	volume = {18},
	year = {2026},
	abstract = {This longitudinal study investigates the structure, developmental trends, and well-being implications of values among Chinese adolescents {\textendash} a large, culturally distinctive population undergoing rapid social change. We conducted a large-scale, two-wave longitudinal study (Wave 1:\&nbsp;N = 69,115;\&nbsp;M = 12.74 {\textpm} 2.25 years; 49.84\% girls; Wave 2:\&nbsp;N = 45,762;\&nbsp;M = 12.98 {\textpm} 2.22 years; 50.53\% girls; with 45,762 students participating in both waves) across a 6-month interval. A three-factor structure of adolescent values emerged: Collective Altruism, Individual Initiative, and Individual Hedonism. Results revealed distinct developmental trajectories: Collective Altruism declined slightly, while Individual Hedonism increased, both stabilizing around mid-adolescence (age~15){\textemdash}a developmental inflection point in value orientation. Cross-lagged models demonstrated small but significant reciprocal positive associations between Collective Altruism, Individual Initiative, and well-being, while Individual Hedonism showed a small but significant negative association with subsequent well-being. These findings support the theoretical framework of\&nbsp;contextually healthy values{\textemdash}value orientations that are culturally normative and developmentally adaptive. This study also provides valuable insights for promoting adolescent mental health and positive development in rapidly modernizing contexts.},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw. 70146},
	author = {Wei Yan and Wang, Yuling and Shaofan Wang and Zhongying Shi and Peng, Kaiping}
}
