Abstract

REYES MARTIN, Sara  and  FERRAGUT, Marta. Character strenghts and sex differences in adolescents. Escritos de Psicología [online]. 2016, vol.9, n.3, pp.28-36. ISSN 1989-3809.  https://dx.doi.org/10.5231/psy.writ.2016.2811.

This study analysed the association between character strengths and happiness and global health in adolescents by gender. The participants comprised 117 high-school students (μ =16.90, σ =.81) from Málaga (Spain). All participants completed the Values in Action 120-Items Questionnaire (VIA-120), the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and the Happiness Item. The results showed higher levels of character strengths and lower levels of temperance and religiousness in the humanity score. Moderately significant associations were found between all character strengths and general health, happiness, and especially hope. Boys had significantly higher scores on zest, prudence, self-regulation, and hope (Student t test). The study suggests that character strengths could contribute to increased life satisfaction and health among adolescents.

Keywords : Character strengths; adolescents; happiness; wellbeing; health; sex differences.

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