Character strengths are more or less stable personality traits and contribute to a fulfilling life. This web-based study aims to determine the factorial structure of character strengths and investigate the relationship between character strengths and life satisfaction regarding gender and age in an adult German sample (N = 423). Measures used are the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Four factors of character strengths were found through factor analysis: intellectual strengths, interpersonal strengths, emotional-spiritual strengths and strengths of restraint. All factors of character strengths correlated with life satisfaction with emotional-spiritual strengths being the highest. Women had higher scores on emotional-spiritual strengths whereas men had higher scores on intellectual strengths. Higher age was associated with higher scores on emotional-spiritual strengths and higher life satisfaction. Calculated separately for each age group the relation between character strengths and life satisfaction was mildly moderated by gender.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Theoretical background
2.1 Character strengths
2.2 Life satisfaction
2.3 Character strengths and life satisfaction
2.4 Relation of character strengths and life satisfaction to gender
2.5 Relation of character strengths and life satisfaction to age
2.6 Aim of this study and hypotheses
3 Method
3.1 Participants
3.2 Instruments
3.3 Procedure
4 Results
4.1 Factor analysis
4.2 Preliminary analyses
4.3 Results regarding the hypotheses
5 Discussion
6 Conclusion
7 References
8 Appendix
Research Objectives and Topics
This study investigates the factorial structure of character strengths and their relationship to life satisfaction, specifically exploring how these connections are moderated by age and gender within an adult German sample. By applying the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the research seeks to validate existing psychological models and identify which specific clusters of character strengths best predict individual life satisfaction across different demographics.
- Dimensional structure of character strengths
- Relationship between character strengths and life satisfaction
- Impact of gender on character strength expression
- Influence of age on life satisfaction and strength manifestation
- Moderating effects of demographic variables on the strength-satisfaction link
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Character strengths
Peterson and Seligman (2004) describe character in terms of virtues and character strengths in their Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS). The six virtues (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence) can be seen as broad and rather abstract concepts of good character. Peterson and Seligman (2004) describe them as universal and known in every culture past and present in one form or another. They are consistently valued by moral philosophers and religious thinkers, but also by more recent books (e. g. the Harry Potter books) or even television series (e. g. Star Trek, Pokémon). The multifaceted nature of virtues makes it difficult to measure them. Because of this each virtue is defined by a number of distinct character strengths – 24 in total, as can be seen in figure one on the next page. This means that a virtue can be expressed through different character strengths. For example one could show the virtue temperance through the character strengths modesty and prudence or through self-regulation and forgiveness. The whole process of choosing the six virtues and the 24 character strengths of the VIA classification is described in Peterson and Seligman (2004).
Peterson and Seligman (2004) describe character strengths in general as positive desirable traits that reflect upon thoughts, feelings and actions. They are personality traits with generality across different situations and stability over time that different individuals display more or less. But they are most certainly also formed and influenced by the environment one grows up and lives in and therefore can be changed or learned. Some character strengths can only be displayed in certain situations (e. g. bravery). It is also important to note that character strengths fall into the moral domain, so their use should be intrinsically motivated. As an integral part of positive psychology the display of character strengths should contribute to a fulfilling life and individual happiness.
Chapter Summary
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of positive psychology as a scientific field focusing on human flourishing and the classification of character strengths.
2 Theoretical background: Defines the core concepts of virtues, character strengths, and life satisfaction, while reviewing empirical findings related to age and gender.
3 Method: Details the study participants, the instruments (VIA-IS and SWLS) used for data collection, and the online survey procedure.
4 Results: Presents the findings of the factor analysis and statistical examinations regarding age, gender, and the correlations between character strengths and life satisfaction.
5 Discussion: Interprets the results in the context of existing literature and discusses the implications of the four-factor structure identified.
6 Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, addresses limitations such as sample selection and self-reporting bias, and suggests paths for future research.
Keywords
Character strengths, VIA Inventory of Strengths, life satisfaction, positive psychology, age differences, gender differences, factorial structure, emotional-spiritual strengths, intellectual strengths, strengths of restraint, interpersonal strengths, subjective well-being, VIA-IS, SWLS, personality traits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study examines the factorial structure of character strengths and investigates how they correlate with life satisfaction in an adult German sample, taking into account age and gender variables.
What are the main thematic areas?
The research covers positive psychology, the classification of 24 character strengths (VIA), subjective well-being, and the demographic influences of age and gender on personality development and life satisfaction.
What is the core research goal?
The aim is to replicate the five-factor model of character strengths, clarify the relationship between these strengths and life satisfaction, and determine how age and gender moderate these associations.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study uses a quantitative web-based approach, conducting factor analysis (principal axis) and correlation analysis on data gathered via standardized questionnaires (VIA-IS and SWLS).
What is covered in the main section?
The main section includes a literature review on character strengths, a detailed description of the methodology, the presentation of factor analysis results, and a comprehensive correlation analysis between demographics and strength factors.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include character strengths, life satisfaction, positive psychology, VIA-IS, factorial structure, and demographic variables like age and gender.
How were the character strengths factorized in this study?
A four-factor model was identified, consisting of intellectual strengths, interpersonal strengths, emotional-spiritual strengths, and strengths of restraint.
Did the study find significant differences between age groups?
Yes, older participants (55-82) showed significantly higher life satisfaction compared to the youngest age group, and significant differences in emotional-spiritual strength scores were observed between specific age cohorts.
How does gender affect the results?
The study found that men scored higher on intellectual strengths, while women scored higher on emotional-spiritual strengths; additionally, gender acted as a mild moderator in the relationship between character strengths and life satisfaction.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Marie-Rose Degg (Autor:in), 2017, Character strengths and life satisfaction, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/448866
