Relative activation patterns associated with self-transcendent and self-enhancement core values: An fMRI study of basic human values theory concepts in males.

Core values have been shown to influence a variety of social behaviors, but research on the brain networks supporting their effects is sparse. While undergoing fMRI scanning, twenty male participants evaluated descriptions of real-world activities according to how worthwhile they were and how likely they were to participate in them. Each activity was categorized according to contexts conceptualized in the Basic Human Values Theory (BHVT) model of core values.