Values, attitudes and beliefs

There is a relationship between these.

As a typical English middle aged man (stereotype?) I have particular views towards being in debt. It is only in the last twenty years or so that it has become normal to owe money on credit cards etc., and to live to an overdraft. Students are encouraged to run up debts for their fees and aren’t really given any guidance as to how to repay them.

Here is a breakdown of my values, attitudes and belief about being in debt:

	Values	Attitude	Belief
How I felt 40 years ago	It is basically wrong to be in debt. Payments must be kept up to date. Great disgrace if you fall behind.	I don’t get into debt.	If I get into debt, I will be in disgrace and lose everything.
How I feel now	It is basically wrong to be in debt. Payments must be kept up to date. Great disgrace if you fall behind.	Some debts are OK and should be planned with proper repayment schedules	If I fall behind with repayments, I’ll pay a small late payment fee and it will be alright
Extent of change	Values have not changed	Attitude has changed slightly to accommodate cultural changes	Belief has shifted considerably

Values are the most difficult to change

Attitudes can be changed but usually with a degree of self justification (cognitive dissonance could explain this)

Beliefs are fairly easy to change.