Why reflecting on your values before opening your mouth makes for happier relationships

A new psychology study finds if people are asked to reflect on their life values before engaging in discussions, debates are more convivial and harmonious. Ever found yourself angry at a situation and in desperate need to tell the world about it by ranting to anyone who-ll listen? Maybe it's time to pause; inhale and reflect on what values you hold dear. A new interdisciplinary study , conducted by philosophers and linguists at Cardiff University and psychologists at the University of Bath has found that a process of reflecting on life values before a debate can enhance people's willingness to listen to others and engage with them in a civil dialogue. For the study, the research team recruited 303 participants. Participants were all put in small groups where they were asked to discuss the merits of charging tuition fees for education. Before the debate, half were first asked to write about the life values* they considered important. All discussions were recorded, coded, and analysed.