Document Type : Original Research
Authors
1
Postdoctoral student in psychology, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2
Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Identifying children's character strengths can enhance their performance and serve as a protective factor against potential psychological and behavioral issues. The present study aimed to identify character strengths in children. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach. The statistical population included all children aged 7 to 11 years, along with their parents and teachers, in Tehran in 2023. A total of 40 children aged 7 to 11, 80 parents, and 17 teachers were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis. A total of 24 character strengths were identified across interviews with children, parents, and teachers. The most frequently mentioned strengths in interviews with children were creativity, perseverance, leadership, gratitude, love of learning, spirituality, and kindness. In interviews with parents, the most prominent strengths were creativity, love of learning, zest, love, kindness, social intelligence, teamwork, leadership, and gratitude. Teachers most commonly identified creativity, curiosity, love of learning, kindness, social intelligence, leadership, teamwork, and humility/modesty. Based on the results, it can be concluded that there is considerable alignment between the conceptualization of character strengths in Iranian society and the established classification systems. These strengths can be cultivated in children through the teaching of various life and social skills.
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