Table 3.

Primary themes, secondary themes, core themes and stages of the values internalization process

Stages	Core themes	Secondary themes	Primary themes	Reference
First stage: the ignoring-resisting stage	Ignoring values	Low relevance of values to life	Values are not considered in daily life; Daily life seldom involves values; Values are distant from life	11
		Low importance of values	Other things are more important; Unaware of the importance of values; Make little of values	38
	Resisting values	Behavior inconsistent with values	Behavior contradicts values; Does not practice the value; Adheres to different values	46
		Negative emotions towards values	Trepidation; Fear; restrained; Anxiety; Resistance; Dismissive attitude; Sense of pressure	11
		Rejecting value information	Beliefs differ from values; Does not trust the values; Does not understand the values	38
Second stage: the understanding stage.	Understanding values	Initial understanding of values (superficial understanding)	A superficial understanding of values; Perceiving values merely as principles; An unclear understanding of values	18
		Low priority of values	Values are important but are given a low priority	3
		Acceptance of values but difficulty in adhering to them in behavior	Forgetting to adhere to values; Values are considered important but not practiced; Failing to adjust behavior according to values	11
Third stage: attempting to practice stage	Attempting to practice values	External motivation drives individuals’ behaviors	School education; Interpersonal relationships; Family upbringing; Driven by interest	20
		Difficulty in practicing values	Limited time for practice; Infrequent practice; Difficulty adapting to behavioral changes; Difficulty maintaining behavioral changes	22
		Emotional reactions/fear of living out values	Nervousness; Fear of failure; Anxious or uneasy	5
Fourth stage: integration stage	Transforming values	Increased proactivity in following values	Consciously think of values; Actively consider values in daily life; Pay more attention to values in daily life	42
		Efforts to practice values	Strive to adhere to values; Increased frequency of practicing values; Practice values more committed; Adjust behavior according to values	55
		Value endorsement	Accept values; A deeper understanding of values	21
	Stabilizing values	Values are related to self	Values influence all aspects of life; Values have changed life	3
		High Importance and Priority	Prioritize values; Values are an important consideration; Values are the foundation of other things else; Values are more important than before; Values are more important than other things	65
		Expression of Internal Motivation	Actively seek knowledge related to values; Actively follow values; Actively promote values	32
		Enjoyment of a value-aligned life	A more positive mindset after the change in values; Following values generates positive emotions; Understanding the values conveyed by others	24
		Behavior guided by values	Develop habitual behaviors; Competent, maintain practice values; Put values into practice	82
		adhering to values	Ideas are aligned with values; Adhere to values despite external temptations	65
		Reactions to Violating Values	Adjust behavior after violating values; Discontent with others’ violation of values; Engage in compensatory behavior after violating values; Experience negative emotions after violating values; Reflect on actions after violating values; Avoid violating values in the future	33
Total reference:				645