Table 5.

Characteristics of the four stages of values internalization

	Neglect-resistance stage	Understanding stage	Trial action stage	Integration stage
Cognition	Rejecting value information	Initial understanding of values (superficial understanding)		Values endorsement; adhering to values
Behavior	Behavior inconsistent with values	Acceptance of values but difficulty in adhering to them in behavior	Difficulty in practicing values	Efforts to practice values; Behavior guided by values
Motivation			External motivation drives individuals’ behaviors	Increased proactivity in following values; Internal motivation
Emotion	Negative emotions towards values		Fear of living out values	Enjoyment of a value-aligned life
Self-relevance, importance, and priority	Low relevance of values to life; Low importance of values	Low priority of values		Values are related to self; High Importance and Priority