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Life Satisfaction and Character Strengths in Spanish Early Adolescents

Author

Listed:
  • María J. Blanca

    (University of Malaga
    Universidad de Málaga)

  • Marta Ferragut

    (University of Malaga)

  • Margarita Ortiz-Tallo

    (University of Malaga)

  • Rebecca Bendayan

    (University of Malaga)

Abstract

This study of Spanish early adolescents aimed to extend knowledge about the relationship between character strengths and life satisfaction (LS) and to explore gender differences in the prediction of LS. A sample of 457 adolescents aged 11–14 years completed questionnaires to assess LS and 24 character strengths. Results from simple correlation analysis showed that 18 strengths were positively and significantly correlated with LS, the highest coefficients being those for love, hope, authenticity and persistence. However, since strengths are inter-correlated, regression modelling was performed in order to determine which of these strengths are the best predictors of LS, and to identify any gender differences in this association. The results showed that love and hope were the most relevant strengths for predicting LS, with a positive relationship being observed for both girls and boys. This finding highlights the importance of positive thinking and of maintaining positive relationships during early adolescence. Gender differences were observed, however, for authenticity as a predictor of LS. Specifically, this variable made a significant contribution to the model in girls, for whom higher scores on authenticity were associated with greater LS. This result is interpreted in terms of gender differences in the timing of maturation. The findings help to further our understanding of the association between subjective well-being and character strengths in early adolescence, a critical stage of human development. In addition, the results suggest that intervention programmes based on character strengths in this developmental stage should mainly target the so-called ‘strengths of the heart’.

Suggested Citation

  • María J. Blanca & Marta Ferragut & Margarita Ortiz-Tallo & Rebecca Bendayan, 2018. "Life Satisfaction and Character Strengths in Spanish Early Adolescents," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(5), pages 1247-1260, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:19:y:2018:i:5:d:10.1007_s10902-017-9865-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-017-9865-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amanda Nickerson & Richard Nagle, 2004. "The Influence of Parent and Peer Attachments on Life Satisfaction in Middle Childhood and Early Adolescence," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 66(1), pages 35-60, April.
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    5. Denise Quinlan & Nicola Swain & Dianne Vella-Brodrick, 2012. "Character Strengths Interventions: Building on What We Know for Improved Outcomes," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 13(6), pages 1145-1163, December.
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    8. Carmel Proctor & John Maltby & P. Linley, 2011. "Strengths Use as a Predictor of Well-Being and Health-Related Quality of Life," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 153-169, March.
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    11. Rachel Sun & Daniel Shek, 2012. "Positive Youth Development, Life Satisfaction and Problem Behaviour Among Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong: A Replication," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 105(3), pages 541-559, February.
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    1. Paula Yépez-Tito & Marta Ferragut & Shally Cóndor-Guerrón & Maria J. Blanca, 2022. "Life Satisfaction and Character Strenghs in Ecuatorian Adolescents," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 15(2), pages 599-616, April.
    2. Supervía, Pablo Usán & Bordás, Carlos Salavera & Robres, Alberto Quílez & Blasco, Raquel Lozano & Cosculluela, Cecilia Latorre, 2023. "Empathy, self-esteem and satisfaction with life in adolescent," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    3. Mercedes Gómez-López & Carmen Viejo & Rosario Ortega-Ruiz, 2019. "Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-31, July.
    4. Alicja Kozakiewicz & Zbigniew Izdebski & Maciej Białorudzki & Joanna Mazur, 2023. "Pandemic-Related Stress and Other Emotional Difficulties in a Sample of Men and Women Living in Romantic Relationships during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-20, February.
    5. F. Javier García-Castro & Ana Alba & María J. Blanca, 2020. "Association Between Character Strengths and Caregiver Burden: Hope as a Mediator," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 1445-1462, April.

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