Character strengths predict subjective well-being during adolescence

Jane E. Gillham · Zoe Adams-Deutsch · Karen J. Reivich · Virginia Coulter-Heindl · Mark Linkins · B Winder +5 more

357 citations0/0 files storedThe Journal of Positive Psychology

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Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction Aging and Gerontology Research Optimism, Hope, and Well-being

Abstract

Previous research indicates that several character strengths (e.g., gratitude, optimism, persistence, and self-regulation) correlate positively with measures of subjective well-being in adolescents. We examined whether character strengths predict future well-being. Adolescent high school students (N = 149) completed the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth and measures of subjective well-being (depression, happiness, life satisfaction) at several assessments from the fall of 9th grade through the spring of their 10th grade year. In analyses controlling for the effects of other strengths, other-directed strengths (e.g., kindness, teamwork) predicted fewer symptoms of depression. Transcendence strengths (e.g., meaning, love) predicted greater life satisfaction. Social support partially mediated the relationship between strengths and depression, but did not mediate the relationship between strengths and life satisfaction. These findings indicate that strengths that build connections to people and purposes larger than the self predict future well-being.

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References

2005Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions.2004Character strengths and virtues: a handbook and classification 2005Self-Discipline Outdoes IQ in Predicting Academic Performance of Adolescents 1983Measures of perceived social support from friends and from family: Three validation studies 2003Enhancing school-based prevention and youth development through coordinated social, emotional, and academic learning.2009Positive education: positive psychology and classroom interventions 2002Community Programs to Promote Youth Development 2004Strengths of Character and Well-Being

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