Character Strengths and Well-being in European Students
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| Year of publication | 2012 |
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| Description | The main aim of the study was to explore to what extent are the character strengths connected with well-being in respondents of two different age groups. We focused on gratitude, hope and meaningfulness. The other objective was to determine the mutual relations of all the variables, and also to compare the results of High school students and University students. The sample consisted of 350 respondents, 175 High school students (mean age = 18) and 175 University students (mean age = 22.2). To measure character strengths we used The Gratitude Questionnaire GQ-6, The Adult Hope Scale, and The Purpose in Life Scale. To measure psychological well-being we used the PWB Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, regression and correlation analysis. There were found significant differences between High school students and University students in the rate of well-being and hope. In qualitative part of the study we conducted content analysis of respondents' answers to the question: What you are grateful for? We categorized the statements according to the Quality of Life domains (WHO QoL). The results of the study show the important relationship between well-being and character strengths which imply the importance of positive psychology interventions focused on better knowledge and use of character strengths and virtues in young people. |