Values

DBT's core philosophy of building a life worth living parallels the Greek idea of eudaimonia - living well, successfully, and responsibly. In DBT, taking value-based action is a crucial step towards a meaningful life. By identifying and acting on our values, we create future-oriented goals that give direction to our present actions. When our behaviors are filled and made from values we carry— we foster purpose.

There’s also the idea of "making our way back" to our values. This is important when we find ourselves confused, overwhelmed by impulsivity, and seeking guidance. We all stray and forget our values—some of us don’t even know what they are! ‘Make your way back’ acknowledges that living a value-aligned life is an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement. Our values serve as a reliable compass, guiding us back to a path that feels meaningful and purposeful.

Martela and Steger (2016) sheds light on three distinct components of meaning in life: coherence, purpose, and significance. They argue these elements play a vital role in shaping the satisfaction we seek in life. When we live in alignment with our values, we're more likely to perceive our life as valuable and worth living. 

Coherence: Making Sense of Our World

Coherence refers to our ability to comprehend and make sense of our lives and the world around us. It's about finding patterns and connections in our experiences. We’re left with a feeling of stability and understanding when we achieve a sense of coherence. This can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, as it helps us navigate life's complexities with greater ease. In DBT, one dialectical pillar is that ‘Everything and everyone is connected in some way.’

Purpose: Direction and Motivation

Purpose gives us a sense of direction and future-oriented goals. It's the driving force that motivates us to take action and pursue our aspirations. Research has shown that dedicating effort to life purposes can boost self-esteem and positive emotions, even in individuals with social anxiety. By setting and working towards meaningful goals, we create a sense of progress and fulfillment that contributes to our mental well-being. In the DBT workbook, there’s a value handout that helps us break down the value into actionable steps. 

Significance: Finding Value and Worth

Significance involves evaluating our life as a whole and finding inherent value and worth. It's about feeling that our life matters and is worth living. When we perceive our lives as significant, we're more likely to experience satisfaction and contentment.

The Interplay of Coherence, Purpose, and Significance

While these three components are distinct, they interact and influence each other. For instance, having a strong sense of purpose can help restore significance when we feel our lives lack value. Similarly, achieving coherence can provide a stable foundation for pursuing our purposes and finding significance in our experiences.

Practical Applications 

• Seek coherence: Start  journaling or therapy! Engage in a ritual that helps you pause, reflect, and make sense of your experiences

• Define your purpose & Cultivate significance: Reflect on your values, write out one meaningful goal, and engage in activities that align

• Practice mindfulness: Being present in the moment, savor the now! 

• Align actions with values: Ask yourself does this decision align with my core value?

By understanding and living our values, we enhance our sense of coherence, strengthen our purpose, and reinforce our feelings of significance—.

References

Martela, F., & Steger, M. F. (2016). The three meanings of meaning in life: Distinguishing coherence, purpose, and significance. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 11(5), 531-545.

Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT® skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.