Description

The Missionary Kids’ Value Scales (MKVS) is a psychometric tool designed to assess the values and beliefs of missionary children. These children, due to the multicultural and religious environments in which they grow up, may develop unique values and perspectives. This scale examines aspects such as religious faith, cultural values, adaptability, and social sensitivity.

Purpose

The primary goal of the MKVS is to provide a reliable and valid means for evaluating the values of missionary children. This tool helps researchers and clinicians understand how the experiences and environments in which these children grow up influence their values and beliefs. Additionally, it can be used to study the relationship between these values and the psychological well-being, adaptability, and social behavior of the children.

Analysis

The MKVS consists of a series of statements that evaluate various aspects of the values of missionary children. The main dimensions typically examined include:
Religious Belief and Practice: Assesses the importance of religion and religious practice in the lives of the children.
Example statements: “My faith in God is very important to me.”
Cultural Values: Assesses respect for and appreciation of different cultures and traditions.
Example statements: “I love learning about different cultures and traditions.”
Adaptability: Assesses the ability of children to adapt to new and different situations.
Example statements: “I can easily adapt to new situations.”
Social Sensitivity: Assesses the sensitivity and empathy toward the needs and feelings of others.
Example statements: “I care deeply about the feelings and needs of others.”

Scoring

The scoring of the MKVS is done using Likert scales, where participants rate each statement on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Responses are collected and analyzed to produce overall scores for each dimension of the missionary children’s values. Higher scores indicate stronger or more positive values in the corresponding dimensions.

References

Pollock, D. C., & Van Reken, R. E. (2009). Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Bowers, J. M., & Moyer, A. (2017). Effects of school-based programs on the resilience of children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 29(3), 531-565.
Hill, P. C., & Pargament, K. I. (2003). Advances in the conceptualization and measurement of religion and spirituality: Implications for physical and mental health research. American Psychologist, 58(1), 64-74.
Ward, C., Bochner, S., & Furnham, A. (2001). The Psychology of Culture Shock. Routledge.