Abstract
This preliminary research study examined the impact of Strengths Gym, a character strengths-based positive psychological intervention program, on adolescent life satisfaction. Using a quasi-experimental treatment-control condition design, the study compared student outcomes for life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and self-esteem for 319 adolescent students aged 12-14 (M=12.98): 218 adolescent students who participated in character strengths-based exercises in the school curriculum, and 101 adolescent students who did not participate in character strengths-based exercises in the school curriculum. Results revealed that adolescents who participated in character strengths-based exercises experienced significantly increased life satisfaction compared to adolescents who did not participate in character strengths-based exercises. Overall, results provide encouraging preliminary support for the application of character strengths-based exercises in the school curriculum as a means of increasing life satisfaction and well-being among youths.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 377-388 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Positive Psychology |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Sept 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adolescents
- Character education
- Character strengths
- Intervention
- Life satisfaction
- Positive psychology
- Strengths exercises
- Well-being