Introduction
In the landscape of Contextual Behavioral Science, shifting the clinical focus from symptom reduction to value-directed living is a fundamental transition. Consequently, the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ-2) has emerged as a cornerstone instrument introduced in 2010 and developed by Kelly G. Wilson, Emily K. Sandoz, and Jennifer Kitchens to quantify how individuals enact their core values. With over 900 citations in scientific literature, the VLQ-2 consistently demonstrates its utility in assessing psychological health through the lens of behavioral consistency. Therefore, researchers and clinicians utilize this 27-item measure to identify the discrepancy between a patient’s declared importance of life domains and their actual daily engagement.
This article explores the VLQ-2’s core features and clinical applications for enhancing patient assessment. By examining the 12 value domains and scoring methodology, we illuminate the psychological gap between importance and consistency. Ultimately, this guide serves as a practical resource for integrating values-based measurement into professional practice.
Key Features of the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ-2)
Purpose and Use
The primary purpose of the VLQ-2 is to serve as a specialized assessment tool within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It is utilized for treatment planning and outcome monitoring by providing a quantitative snapshot of an individual’s value-action consistency.
Unlike traditional scales that focus solely on symptom reduction or depression screening, the VLQ-2 is specifically designed to identify the “psychological gap” by comparing two distinct dimensions across 12 life domains:
- Importance: Assessing how much a specific area of life personally matters to the individual.
- Consistency: Measuring the extent to which the individual’s actual behavior over the past week aligned with those stated values.
Target Population
The VLQ-2 serves as a versatile instrument for adults aged 18 and older across diverse clinical and non-clinical settings. By addressing a wide developmental spectrum, the questionnaire effectively reaches the following demographics:
- Young Adults: (18–24 years).
- Middle-Aged Adults: (25–44 years).
- Older Adults: (45–64 years).
- Seniors: (65+ years).
Structure
The VLQ-2 consists of 27 items. The core of the instrument is organized into 12 distinct value domains, with each domain being evaluated through two specific questions (one for importance and one for consistency). These domains include:
- Family
- Marriage/Intimacy
- Parenting
- Friends/Social Life
- Work
- Education
- Recreation
- Spirituality
- Citizenship
- Physical Self-Care
- Environment
- Aesthetics
Additionally, the questionnaire includes three preference questions that ask respondents to prioritize 5, 3, and finally 1 specific area for immediate therapeutic focus. This structured approach ensures that clinicians can pinpoint exactly where a patient’s life feels most “out of sync.”
Scoring Method
Respondents use a 10-point Likert-type rating scale (1 = Not at all, 10 = Extremely/Completely). From these responses, practitioners derive three primary metrics:
- Domain-Specific Discrepancy Score: Calculated by subtracting Consistency from Importance (Importance – Consistency). A higher positive score highlights a significant area of therapeutic need.
- Valued Living Composite Score: This is the arithmetic mean of all Consistency ratings, providing a global index of valued action.
- Alternative Multiplicative Method: Some researchers multiply Importance by Consistency (Importance × times Consistency) to emphasize the interaction between high value and behavioral engagement.
The VLQ-2 is an idiographic measure and does not utilize normative cut-off scores. Instead, interpretation is based on the discrepancy gap between Importance and Consistency ratings as the primary indicator for clinical intervention.
Administration Format
The VLQ-2 is a highly flexible, self-administered tool. It can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy clinical environments. Validated formats include:
- Paper-based formats
- Digital/Online platforms
Application of the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ-2)
The VLQ-2 offers diverse applications across the behavioral health spectrum. By utilizing this instrument, practitioners effectively serve the following purposes:
- Treatment Planning: Clinicians co-create meaningful goals with patients by identifying large discrepancy scores anchored in actual personal values.
- Progress Monitoring: Since the tool tracks subtle shifts in behavior, it functions as a reliable progress tracker throughout the therapeutic process.
- Research Endpoint: Researchers frequently employ this measure in clinical trials to quantify “Committed Action,” a core pillar of the ACT hexaflex.
Languages and availability
Reflecting its global adoption, experts have translated the VLQ-2 into several languages to facilitate cross-cultural research in contextual behavioral science. The available versions include:
- English
- Spanish
- Japanese
- Korean
- Turkish
Furthermore, the developers provide this instrument as a free resource for both clinical and academic use.
Reliability and Validity
The VLQ-2 is recognized as a highly reliable and valid instrument. Statistically, it boasts a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84, indicating strong internal consistency. Because it is sensitive to the behavioral shifts inherent in ACT interventions, it is a preferred endpoint for researchers studying psychological flexibility.
- The original validation study link
- Validation of the Valued Living Questionnaire– comprehension support version (VLQ-CS) in a Neurotypical Adult cohort. study link
Limitations and Considerations
Despite its strengths, the VLQ-2 has a few limitations:
- Self-report Measure: Respondents may be influenced by social desirability bias or personal interpretation.
- Cultural Bias: Potential for cultural bias exists, which may affect how different populations interpret specific “value domains” like citizenship or aesthetic.
- Social Desirability Bias: Respondents often provide answers that align with social expectations rather than their actual daily behaviors.
Other Versions And Related Questionnaires
While the VLQ-2 (2010) is the refined version most commonly cited, researchers may also encounter:
- VLQ Original (2001): The foundational 10-item version.
- Valuing Questionnaire (VQ): A more recent measure of progress and obstruction in valuing.
- Bull’s-Eye Values Survey (BEVS): A visual tool for assessing value-action gaps.
Additional Resources
- A direct link to the Original Validation Study. Study link
- You can access the questionnaire as a PDF through this link
- For inquiries, contact at kwilson@olemiss.edu, the lead author of the questionnaire.
- For additional VLQ-2 resources, consult The Psychological Record at Oxford University Press.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can use the VLQ-2?
Clinicians, researchers, and healthcare providers use the VLQ-2 for patients aged 18 and older with a variety of psychological or behavioral health concerns. - How long does it take to complete the VLQ-2?
Patients typically take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the VLQ-2, which makes it feasible for use in clinical and research settings. - How is the VLQ-2 administered?
Healthcare teams can administer the questionnaire via paper or digital formats—offering flexibility in usage. - Is there any cost to using the VLQ-2?
The VLQ-2 is free for non-commercial use as it is an Open Access resource. For commercial or funded academic projects, permission from the publisher may be necessary.
- Who can use the VLQ-2?
A Word from ResRef about the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ-2)
The Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ-2) stands as a cornerstone assessment within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework. Its primary strength lies in shifting the clinical focus from mere symptom reduction to the vital process of building a meaningful, values-directed life. By quantifying the often-subjective gap between what one finds important and how one consistently acts, it provides a clear, actionable map for therapeutic work.
References
- Wilson, K. G., Sandoz, E. K., Kitchens, J., & Roberts, M. (2010). The Valued Living Questionnaire: Defining and Measuring Valued Action within a Behavioral Framework. The Psychological Record, 60(2), 249–272. Link
- Skaliotis, J., Miller, H., & Wong, D. (2025). Validation of the Valued Living Questionnaire–Comprehension Support Version (VLQ-CS) in a neurotypical adult cohort. Link
