scholarly journals The influence of human character strengths on life satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
Orose Leelakulthanit
Author(s):  
Tayyab Rashid ◽  
Martin Seligman

Positive psychology interventions applied in diverse clinical settings and tackling complex clinical issues are advancing the knowledge base of psychotherapy and health outcomes. Positive psychotherapy (PPT) is based primarily on two major theories: Seligman’s PERMA (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) conceptualization of well-being and character strengths. PPT also operates on three assumptions regarding the nature, cause, course, and treatment of specific behavioral patterns: (a) inherent capacity for growth, (b) the authenticity of strengths compared to symptoms, and (c) the role of positives in fostering a of the therapeutic relationship. The notion of happiness espoused in PPT is much more than the sum of its components that can be pursued simultaneously with each individually association with life satisfaction.


2018 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 1167-1188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercedes Ovejero Bruna ◽  
Andreea C. Brabete ◽  
Jesús M. Alvarado Izquierdo

Reliable test scores are essential to interpret the results obtained in statistical analyses correctly. In this study, we used the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) as an example of a widely applied assessment instrument to analyze its metric quality in what is known as reliability generalization (RG). In addition, we conducted a meta-analysis of the correlations between character strengths and life satisfaction to examine the potential relationship between the reliability of test scores and the intensity of these correlations. The overall variability of alpha coefficients supports the argument that reliability is sample dependent. Indeed, there were statistically significant mean reliability differences for scores across the 24 scales, with the highest level of reliability observed for Creativity and the lowest for scores on Self-regulation. Significant moderators such as the standard deviation of the scores and the sample type contribute to understand the high variability observed in the reliability estimation. The second meta-analysis showed that Zest, Hope, Gratitude, Curiosity, and Love were the character strengths that were highly related to life satisfaction, while Modesty and Prudence were less related to life satisfaction. Furthermore, the high heterogeneity between samples might be an indicator of the relationship between the variability of reliability of character strengths' scores and the intensity of their correlations with life satisfaction. Those character strengths with high-potential RG are related or unrelated to life satisfaction, whereas character strengths with less-potential RG showed unstable correlation patterns. The results of both studies point out the role of the relationship between the reliability of test scores and substantive studies, such as Pearson's correlations meta-analysis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Niann Tsyr Lee ◽  
Koong Hean Foo ◽  
Austin Adams ◽  
Robert Morgan ◽  
Amie Frewen

Positive psychology has identified six virtues comprising 24 character strengths of humans. This study examines the relationships among these character strengths, including Happiness, Life Purpose and Life Satisfaction as valued by Singapore Chinese, Malays, Indians and Other Asians and Caucasians. A sample of Singapore adults (N = 304) completed an online survey in English comprising four measures, the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths, the Orientations to Happiness Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Life Engagement Test. Results show that Zest, Hope, Curiosity, Capacity to Love and Gratitude are the top five character strengths of the sampled Singaporeans. Happiness orientation through pursuing a Life of Meaning is preferred by all four ethnic groups. Ethnic differences are found for character strengths of Kindness, Humour, Gratitude, and Religiousness and Spirituality. Life of Meaning and Life of Engagement, Happiness orientations and character strengths of Curiosity and Perseverance are direct predictors of Life Purpose. In turn, Life Purpose and character strengths of Capacity to Love and Gratitude are found to be direct predictors of Life Satisfaction. Despite its other limitations, this study lays the groundwork for future studies using more robust sampling strategies and greater participation from the major ethnic groups in Singapore.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier C. Vela ◽  
Gregory Scott Sparrow ◽  
James Ikonomopoulos ◽  
Stacey L. Gonzalez ◽  
Basilio Rodriguez

Author(s):  
Paula Yépez-Tito ◽  
Marta Ferragut ◽  
Shally Cóndor-Guerrón ◽  
Maria J. Blanca

AbstractThere is empirical evidence that life satisfaction (LS) in adolescence is associated with adequate development and future well-being. Research into the factors underpinning LS can therefore help to promote healthier development of societies. The aim of this study was to extend knowledge about LS among adolescents in Ecuador, a Latin American country for which research on this topic is lacking. Specifically, we analyze the relationship between LS and character strengths, controlling for gender, age, socioeconomic status, and family structure. Participants were 659 adolescents (43.1% female) aged between 12 and 18 years who completed the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS) and the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA-Y). Their parents or legal guardians completed the Survey of Socioeconomic Stratification (SSES). Correlation analysis and regression modeling were performed. Results showed that LS was not related to age or socioeconomic status, but there was a significant association with gender and family structure, insofar as boys and adolescents living in intact families reported higher levels of LS. Overall, the majority of character strengths were positively related to LS. After eliminating overlap between strengths and controlling for sociodemographic variables, the strengths of hope, zest, love, and prudence significantly predicted LS. We discuss how these strengths, related to the cognitive component of well-being, may play a protective role against difficulties during adolescence. Character strengths-based interventions are proposed to promote healthy development in Ecuadorian adolescents.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1247-1260 ◽  
Author(s):  
María J. Blanca ◽  
Marta Ferragut ◽  
Margarita Ortiz-Tallo ◽  
Rebecca Bendayan

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