The system of personal values in the life of oncologically ill youths

Personal values in a neoplastic disease have been the subject of numerous psychological studies. The study presented here shows differences in personal values selected by oncologically ill youths (50 people) and healthy youths (40 people), aged 18-20. The study made use of Juczyński’s List of Personal Values. Results reveal that the value of good health and symbols while for the healthy constitutes the most essential difference between the ill/healthy groups. For the ill, it is the performance of favourite work, profession and successful family life that are the most significant symbols while for the healthy it is first and foremost good health and for the healthy it is a greater and more frequently chosen personal value than for the ill in this age group. This result stands in stark contradiction to earlier presumptions and research. It might have resulted from the selection of people for the study or from other, unknown factors. It would be worthwhile in future research to extend the study group in order to verify and compare the findings.