Effect of online character strengths intervention on alleviating diabetes distress and improving self-care ability in young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of online character strengths intervention on the distress-related and self-management ability of young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes. To provide reference for improving the physical and mental health of patients.Methods:Ninety-two young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou University of Medicine from July 2021 to July 2022 were selected and divided into intervention group and control group with 46 cases in each group by random number table method. The control group was given routine care, and the intervention group was given online character strengths intervention for 8 weeks. Diabetes-related distress Questionnaire (DDS) and Diabetes Self-Care Scale (DSCS) were used to evaluate the effects of the two groups of patients before intervention, immediately after intervention and 1 month after intervention.Results:The total DDS scores of the control group were (2.18 ± 0.70) and (2.01 ± 0.65) when the moment and 1 month after intervention, while the scores in the intervention group were (1.74 ± 0.47) and (1.18 ± 0.17), the differences were significant ( t = 3.13, 8.34, both P<0.05). The total DSCS scores of the control group were (72.25 ± 11.55) and (73.12 ± 10.72) when the moment and 1 month after intervention, while the scores in the intervention group were (85.95 ± 5.91) and (85.24 ± 5.21), the differences were significant ( t = 10.13, 2.10, both P<0.05). Conclusions:Online character strengths intervention can help alleviate the distress associated with young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes and improve the level of self-management.

Bem-estar psicológico, sintomas de depressão e forças do caráter em idosos da comunidade / Psychological well-being, depressive symptoms and character strengths among the community elderly / Bienestar psicológico, síntomas depresivos y fortalezas de carácter en ancianos de la comunidad

Em um mundo com um número crescente de idosos, envelhecer bem se torna cada vez mais importante, e as forças do caráter podem contribuir para que isso seja alcançado. A fim de analisar forças na velhice, associando-as com sintomas depressivos e bem-estar psicológico, 188 idosos responderam às versões reduzidas e em português dos instrumentos Values-in-Action Inventory of Strengths, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. As forças Amor, Esperança, Curiosidade, Perdão e Vitalidade se associaram tanto a níveis mais elevados de bem-estar psicológico quanto a mais baixos de sintomas depressivos. Foram obtidas correlações significativas entre seis forças e sintomas depressivos ­ negativas fracas ­ e entre 11 delas e bem-estar psicológico ­ positivas fracas. Os resultados deste estudo ampliam, ainda que limitadamente, o conhecimento sobre forças de idosos, especialmente como elas se relacionam com dois construtos que influenciam a velhice. Ademais, fornecem uma base para o desenvolvimento de intervenções futuras.

In a world with an increasing number of elderly people, aging well is becoming increasingly important, and character strengths can contribute to this. In order to analyze strengths among the elderly, associating them with depressive symptoms and psychological well-being, 188 elderly people answered the reduced and Portuguese versions of Values-in-Action Inventory of Strengths, Geriatric Depression Scale and Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. Love, Hope, Curiosity, Forgiveness, and Vitality strengths were associated with both higher levels of psychological well-being and lower depressive symptoms. Significant correlations were found between six strengths and depressive symptoms ­ weak negatives ­ and between 11 of them and psychological well-being ­ weak positives. The results of this study expand, albeit to a limited extent, knowledge about elderly people's strengths, especially as they relate to two constructs that influence old age. In addition, they provide a basis for the development of future interventions.

En un mundo con un número creciente de ancianos, envejecer bien se está volviendo cada vez más importante, y las fortalezas de carácter pueden contribuir para esto. Para analizar las fortalezas en ancianos, asociándolas con los síntomas depresivos y el bienestar psicológico, 188 ancianos respondieron las versiones cortas, en português, de los instrumentos Values-in-Action Inven-tory of Strengths, Escala de Depresión Geriátrica y Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. Las fortalezas Amor, Esperanza, Curiosidad, Perdón y Vitalidad se asociaron con niveles más altos de bienestar psicológico y síntomas depresivos más bajos. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre seis fortalezas y síntomas depresivos ­ negativas bajas ­ y 11 entre ellos y el bienestar psicológico ­ positivas bajas. Los resultados de este estudio amplían, aunque de forma limitada, el conocimiento sobre las fortalezas en ancianos, especialmente en como ellas se relacionan con dos constructos que influyen en la vejez. Además, proporcionan una base para el desarrollo de futuras intervenciones.

Character strengths as protective factors against behavior problems in early adolescent

Character strengths could efectively prevent negative psychological outcomes in adults. However, there was little research conducted among early adolescents. The present study aimed to explore character strengths that were independently related to fewer behavior problems in early adolescents. In total, 521 early adolescents (mean age 10.92 ± 0.04, range 10­12 years) were recruited from primary schools in Sichuan, China. Character strengths were measured using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA-Youth). Behavior problems were measured using the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ). The results showed that behavior problems were negatively correlated with character strengths (r = −0.14 to −0.3, p < 0.05 Bonferroni corrected). Character strengths explained a signifcant proportion of additional variance (14­22%) in fve types of behavior problems after controlling the efect of demographic factors (residence, left-behind experiences, maternal education level). Moreover, several specifc character strengths showed an independent contribution (ß = −0.34 to −0.14 for self-regulation, perseverance, zest, humility, and leadership; ß = 0.21 to 0.34, for hope; all p < 0.05) to behavior problems. Our study revealed that character trengths were protective factors against behavior problems in early adolescents.

Mediating effect of nursing staff′s character advantage between job satisfaction and subjective well-being / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the status quo of job satisfaction, character advantage and subjective well-being of nursing staff, and to explore the relationship among the three, so as to provide theoretical basis for improving the subjective well-being of medical staff.Methods:Using cluster random sampling method, 582 nursing staff in Jinzhou City of Liaoning Province were selected as the survey objects. The General Information Questionnaire, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Character Strengths Scale and Subjective Well-being Scale were used to investigate the respondents. The mediating effect of character strengths on job satisfaction and subjective well-being was analyzed by structural equation model. The mediating effect was analyzed and verified by bootstrap method.Results:The score of Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire, Character Strengths Scale and Subjective Well-being Scale of nursing staff were 70.5 ± 10.8, 45.0 ± 6.8 and 24.2 ± 6.3 respectively. The results of correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the total score of job satisfaction and the total score of character strengths of nursing staff ( r=0.214, P<0.01), and the total score of subjective well-being ( r=0.373, P<0.01). The total score of subjective well-being was positively correlated with the total score of character strengths ( r=0.123, P<0.01). Conclusions:The character strengths of nursing staff plays a mediating role between job satisfaction and subjective well-being.

Profissionais de TI: Um estudo sobre as forças pessoais/de caráter / IT Professionals: A study of character strengths

RESUMO As forças pessoais/de caráter são as características psicológicas positivas que se refletem nos pensamentos, sentimentos e comportamentos. Esse artigo objetivou descrever as forças pessoais/de caráter mais prevalentes em 60 profissionais de Tecnologia da Informação e comparar quatro grupos distintos nos cargos de Atendimento e Suporte Técnico, Desenvolvedor de Software, Gestor e Líder Técnico em um Parque Tecnológico do Sul do Brasil. Estudo com delineamento quantitativo, descritivo, comparativo e transversal com aplicação online de um Questionário Sócio Demográfico e Laboral e da Escala das Forças de Caráter. As forças mais prevalentes são a imparcialidade, a curiosidade, a bondade, o pensamento crítico e o amor ao aprendizado. As forças com menor prevalência são a apreciação do belo, a espiritualidade, o perdão, a inteligência social e a sensatez. As implicações práticas sugerem que as características psicológicas positivas sejam fortalecidas em processos de desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional dos trabalhadores de TI no âmbito organizacional.

ABSTRACT Character strengths are the positive psychological characteristics that are reflected in thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This article aimed to describe the most prevalent character strengths in 60 Information Technology (IT) professionals and compare four distinct groups in the positions of Service and Technical Support, Software Developer, Manager and Technical Leader in a Technology Park in the Southern Brazil. Study with quantitative, descriptive, comparative and cross-sectional design with online application of a Socio-Demographic and Labor Questionnaire and the Scale of Character Strengths. The most prevalent strengths are impartiality, curiosity, kindness, critical thinking and love of learning. The least prevalent character strengths are appreciation of beauty, spirituality, forgiveness, social intelligence and wisdom. Practical implications suggest that positive psychological characteristics should be strengthened in the personal and professional development of IT workers at organizations.

Relações entre Forças de Caráter e Autorregulação Emocional em Universitários Brasileiros / Relaciones entre Fuerzas de Carácter y Autorregulación Emocional en Universitarios Brasileños / Relations between Character Strengths and Emotional Self-Regulation in Brazilian University Students

Resumo Investigar a relação entre as forças de caráter e a autorregulaçào emocional faz-se importante, pois os construtos podem auxiliar na diminuição de psicopatologias e contribuir para um desenvolvimento saudável. O estudo teve por objetivo analisar a predição das forças de caráter em relação à autorregulaçào emocional diante de eventos tristes. A amostra teve 233 universitários, com idades entre 18 e 52 anos (M=23.20; DP=5.588). Os participantes responderam à Escala de Forças de Caráter (EFC) e à Escala de Autorregulação Emocional-Adulto (EARE-AD). Cada fator da EARE-AD foi predito por pelo menos três forças de caráter (β entre .177 e .375). Com exceção da força espiritualidade, todas as forças se associaram significativamente com os fatores da EARE-AD (r entre .14 e .47). Os resultados indicam que as forças de caráter vitalidade e autorregulação são as que mais contribuem para minimizar dificuldades emocionais. Novos estudos são sugeridos a fim de compreender alguns resultados encontrados nas forças de caráter.

Resumen Investigar la relación entre las fuerzas de carácter y la autorregulación emocional es importante, pues los constructos pueden contribuir a la disminución de psicopatologias y aportar para un desarrollo sano. El propósito del estudio fue analizar la predicción de las fuerzas de carácter en relación con la autorregulación emocional ante eventos tristes. La muestra contó con 233 universitarios, con edades entre 18 y 52 años (M=23.20; DE=5.588). Los participantes contestaron la Escala de Fuerzas de Carácter (EFC) y la Escala de Autorregulación Emocional-Adulto (EARE-AD). Cada factor de la EARE-ad se predijo por al menos tres fuerzas de carácter (β entre .177 y .375). A excepción de la fuerza espiritualidad, todas las fuerzas se asociaron significativamente con los factores de la EARE-AD (r entre .14 y .47). Los resultados señalan que las fuerzas de carácter vitalidad y autorregulación son las que más aportan para reducir dificultades emocionales. Nuevos estudios son sugeridos con el fin de comprender algunos resultados encontrados en las fuerzas de carácter.

Abstract It is important to research the relation between character strengths and emotional self-regulation because constructs can help reduce psycho-pathologies and contribute to healthy development. The purpose of the study was to analyze the prediction of character strengths in relation to emotional self-regulation in the face of sad events. The sample was made up of 233 university students between the ages of 18 and 52 (M=23.20; DE=5.588). Participants answered the Character Strengths Scale (EFC) and the Adult Emotional Self-Regulation Scale (EARE-AD). Each factor of the EARE-ad was predicted by at least three character strengths (β entre .177 y .375). With the exception of the spirituality strength, all of the strengths were significantly associated with EARE-AD factors (r between .14 and .47). Results show that the character strengths of vitality and self-regulation are those that contribute most to reduce emotional difficulties. We suggest new studies in order to understand some of the findings regarding character strengths.

Character strengths in the Brazilian northeast region: Contributions of personality beyond age and sex / Forças de caráter no nordeste brasileiro: contribuições da personalidade para além de idade e sexo

The objective was to verify to what extent the personality traits explain character strengths, controlling the effect of age and sex. A total of 251 individuals living in the Northeast region of Brazil (Mage = 18.51, SD = 9.03), 66.9% of which were women, answered a booklet containing the Character Strengths Scale, Five Major Factors Inventory (Big Five) and demographic issues. From the correlations, followed by multiple hierarchical regressions, it was found that age and sex were important to explain some strengths. Controlling the effect of these demographic variables, it was observed that the kindness, conscientiousness, extroversion and openness to experience personality traits directly explained these strengths, unlike the neuroticism trait, which did it inversely. Backed by the empirical evidence, it can be concluded that character strengths can be explained by personality traits and demographic variables (sex and age), collaborating with the expansion of knowledge in the area and understanding the positive aspects of the human being.

Objetivou-se verificar em que medida os traços de personalidade explicam as forças de caráter, controlando o efeito da idade e do sexo. Participaram 251 pessoas residentes no nordeste brasileiro (Midade = 18,51, DP = 9,03), 66,9% mulheres, respondendo um livreto contendo a Escala de Forças de Caráter, Inventário dos Cinco Grandes Fatores e questões demográficas. A partir de correlações, seguidas de regressões múltiplas hierárquicas, verificou-se que idade e sexo foram importantes para explicar algumas forças. Controlando o efeito dessas variáveis demográficas, observou-se que os traços de personalidade amabilidade, conscienciosidade, extroversão e abertura à experiencia explicaram diretamente as forças, ao contrário do traço neuroticismo, que o fez de maneira inversa. Respaldados pelas evidências empíricas, conclui-se que as forças de caráter podem ser explicadas pelos traços de personalidade e variáveis demográficas (sexo e idade), colaborando com a expansão do conhecimento na área e no entendimento dos aspectos positivos do ser humano.

The relationship between military loyalty and both character strengths and psychological resilience / 解放军医学杂志

Objective: To explore the correlation between military loyalty and both character strengths and psychological resilience, and understand the influence of personality factor on military loyalty. Methods: The correlation between military loyalty, character strengths and psychological resilience can be found by correlation analysis. Hierarchical regression analysis explored the influence of demographic and personality factors on military loyalty. Analysis of mediating effect was conducted for finding the role that psychological resilience plays in character strengths mediating the military loyalty. Results: A total of 476 valid questionnaires were retrieved. Military personnel showed a significant positive correlation of character strengths and psychological resilience with loyalty (P=0.000); character strengths and psychological resilience had significant positive predictive effects on the loyalty of military personnel, of which character strengths had a positive predictive rate (β=0.42, P=0.000) for the loyalty of military personnel and explained 15.6% of the total variation in loyalty. The positive prediction rate (β=0.38, P=0.000) of military psychological resilience for loyalty explained 13.0% of the total variation of loyalty; psychological resilience not only has a significant positive predictive effect on the loyalty of military personnel, but also plays a partial mediating effect of character strengths on the loyalty of military personnel, with the mediating effect accounting for 29.3% of the total effect. Conclusion: Character strengths and psychological resilience can effectively and positively predict the loyalty of military personnel, while psychological resilience partially regulates the improvement of the loyalty of military personnel.

Virtudes y fortalezas del carácter en población adulta de Buenos Aires. Un estudio con un enfoque mixto émico/ético / Virtues and character strengths in Buenos Aires adult population. A study with a mixed emic/etic approach

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo establecer la validez cultural de la clasificación VIA (24 fortalezas en 6 virtudes) mediante la utilización de un enfoque mixto (ético/émico). Se intentó determinar si la clasificación VIA resultaba relevante culturalmente para poder capturar las respuestas de personas legas en ocasión de describir las características positivas de personajes protípicos admirados en un formato de respuesta libre (free listing). Participaron del estudio una muestra de 378 personas adultas de población general no consultante argentina, varones y mujeres. Los resultados señalan que las fortalezas más frecuentes fueron la integridad, la persistencia, la bondad y el amor, lo que da lugar a dos perfiles diferenciados de personajes prototípicos de características positivas. No se encontraron diferencias según sexo y edad. Los resultados sugieren que la clasificación VIA debe ser ajustada en función de las variables culturales.

The purpose of the present study is to establish the cultural validity of the Values in Action (VIA) classification through the use of 24 character strengths contained in 6 virtues, by implementing a combined emic-etic approach. A group of 378 male and female Argentinian adults participated from this research. The aim was to determine if the VIA classification was culturally relevant to portray the answers of the participants involved. Results indicate that the most frequent strengths listed by the participants were integrity, persistency, kindness and love. No differences regarding age and gender were found. The results also suggest that the VIA classification needs to be adjusted according to cultural variables.

Forças do caráter de idosos: uma revisão sistemática de pesquisas empíricas / Character strengths of the elderly: a systematic review of empirical research

A fim de efetuar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre forças do caráter (FC) de idosos, recuperaram-se artigos que relatam pesquisas empíricas indexados pela PsycINFO ou PubMed (N=31). Selecionaram-se textos publicados entre 1998 e 2014 que investigaram amostras com indivíduos com 65 anos ou mais. Verificou-se que: o crescimento da produção científica sobre o tema não é expressivo; a maioria dos artigos analisa a relação entre FC e outras variáveis; somente um discute uma FC especificamente na velhice. A produção científica sobre FC de idosos é restrita. Quando incluídos, os idosos representam apenas mais uma coorte etária da amostra, não sendo consideradas suas especificidades. Como identificar e desenvolver FC dos idosos contribui para o envelhecimento positivo, mais investigações são necessárias.

To perform a systematic review on elderly character strengths (CS), articles reporting empirical research indexed by PsycINFO or PubMed were recovered (N=31). Texts published between 1998 and 2014 that investigated samples withindividuals aged 65 years or more were selected. It was found that: the growth of scientific literature on the subject is not significant; mostarticles examine the relationship between CS and other variables; and only one specifically discusses one CS in old age. It is concluded that the scientific literature on elderly CS is restricted. When included, the elderly represent just one age cohort of the sample and not considered their specificities. Since identify and develop the elderly CS contribute to the positive aging, further investigations are necessary.

Forças do caráter de idosos: Uma revisão sistemática de pesquisas empíricas1 / Character strengths of the elderly: A systematic review of empirica

A fim de efetuar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre forças do caráter (FC) de idosos, recuperaram-se artigos que relatam pesquisas empíricas indexados pela PsycINFO ou PubMed (N=31). Selecionaram-se textos publicados entre 1998 e 2014 que investigaram amostras com indivíduos com 65 anos ou mais. Verificou-se que: o crescimento da produção científica sobre o tema não é expressivo; a maioria dos artigos analisa a relação entre FC e outras variáveis; somente um discute uma FC especificamente na velhice. A produção científica sobre FC de idosos é restrita. Quando incluídos, os idosos representam apenas mais uma coorte etária da amostra, não sendo consideradas suas especificidades. Como identificar e desenvolver FC dos idosos contribui para o envelhecimento positivo, mais investigações são necessárias.

To perform a systematic review on elderly character strengths (CS), articles reporting empirical research indexed by PsycINFO or PubMed were recovered (N=31). Texts published between 1998 and 2014 that investigated samples with individuals aged 65 years or more were selected. It was found that: the growth of scientific literature on the subject is not significant; most articles examine the relationship between CS and other variables; and only one specifically discusses one CS in old age. It is concluded that the scientific literature on elderly CS is restricted. When included, the elderly represent just one age cohort of the sample and not considered their specificities. Since identify and develop the elderly CS contribute to the positive aging, further investigations are necessary.

The relationships between character strengths and life fulfillment in the view of lay-people in Argentina

Se examinó la importancia de las fortalezas del carácter para el desarrollo positivo desde el punto de vista de las personas legas. Una muestra de 687 adultos evaluó la importancia de las 24 fortalezas del carácter de la clasificación Values in Action para cinco áreas: bienestar personal, metas personales, relaciones personales y laborales y contribuir a un país mejor. Se diseñó un instrumento basado en la metodología de la encuesta que estaba compuesto por 24 ítems. Cada uno evaluaba una fortaleza en cada una de las cinco áreas comentadas. La confiabilidad global del mismo fue igual a .98. Los datos se analizaron mediante la inspección de las frecuencias (por ej.: grado de respaldo a cada una de las fortalezas en relación con el desarrollo positivo), considerando aquellas fortalezas que se encontraban por encima del percentil 90. En general, los resultados han mostrado que la fortaleza del carácter honestidad es un importante recurso personal para las cinco áreas consideradas en este estudio. Específicamente, amor, honestidad y vitalidad son las fortalezas del carácter más importantes para el bienestar personal; perseverancia y autorregulación, para lograr metas vitales, honestidad y gratitud para el desarrollo de relaciones positivas; compañerismo e imparcialidad para las relaciones laborales positivas, e imparcialidad y honestidad para contribuir a un país mejor. Se analizaron las diferencias por género y edad y se encontró que las mujeres consideraban a las fortalezas mucho más importantes que los varones para la mayoría de las áreas vitales consideradas. Este estudio señala que las concepciones implícitas de las personas legas deberían ser tomadas en cuenta a la hora de diseñar estrategias de intervención positivas basadas en las fortalezas del carácter.

The idea underlying this work is that character strengths are an essential component for achieving life fulfillment. In order to determine the extent to which strengths of character are essential to living a good life, this study was conducted from lay-people’s point of view. This work took as theoretical framework Seligman’s recent theory, known under the acronym of PERMA, which proposes that human strengths are vehicles for achieving positive emotions, engagement (flow), enriching relationships, meaning in life, and accomplishment of personal goals. This study considered life fulfillment beyond the hedonic conception of subjective well-being emphasizing the importance of both individual and social meaning; the relationship with others; and the achievement of personal goals, among others. A sample of 687 adults evaluated the importance of 24 character strengths from the Values in Action classification for the five areas that contribute to a fulfilling life: personal well-being, personal goals, personal relationships, work relationships, and contributing to a better country. This study used a similar methodology to Biswas-Diener (2006), who studied the attitudes towards the 24 VIA character strengths with members of dissimilar cultural groups. An instrument was designed comprising 24 items in a survey-format. Each item assessed one character strength for each of the five areas under study. Cronbach’s alpha reliability test for the overall scale was .98. Data was analyzed by calculating frequencies (e.g., the degree of endorsement to the character strengths in relation to life fulfillment) and conducting chi-square tests (e.g., gender and age differences). The character strengths over the 90th percentile were considered. The results showed that the character strength honesty is an important personal resource for the five areas studied. Specifically, love, honesty and zest were the major character strengths for personal well-being; persistence and self-regulation for achieving life goals; honesty and gratitude for developing positive personal relationships; citizenship and fairness for positive work relationships; and, fairness and honesty for contributing to a better country. Differences by gender were found. For the majority of the areas of life explored, women placed more importance on character strengths than men. The main finding of this study is that people consider the strengths of character from the VIA classification as important elements for life fulfillment. Most participants in this study showed a high degree of endorsement (60 to 70%) to each of the character strengths of the VIA classification for all the areas, i.e., achieving personal well-being, accomplishing life goals, enriching personal relationships, working well with others, and contributing to a better country. Based on these results, it can be concluded that from the point of view of lay-people, character strengths are not only fundamental to feel good but also to function well both in relation to themselves and to the world. Overall, intervention strategies, from the Positive Psychology perspective, tend to be generic and unspecific, without considering individuals’ particular points of view. Knowing people’s implicit ideas in relation to the strengths that contribute most to life fulfillment would allow generating more accurate and culturally adjusted interventions to the particular group in question. This adjustment not only operates as a key motivational aspect but also a reinforcement of the effect of the intervention. Future studies should experimentally compare the effectiveness of generic interventions on character strengths versus interventions focused on those strengths that the group under study deems important, especially in Latino populations in which the efficacy of these interventions has not been tested yet, and little has been studied in relation to this topic.

Programa para la mejora del bienestar de las personas mayores. Estudio piloto basado en la psicología positiva / An intervention program to enhance the wellbeing of the elderly. Pilot study based on positive psychology

El objetivo de este trabajo fue probar la eficacia de un programa piloto basado en la psicología positiva y destinado a incrementar el bienestar emocional de las personas mayores. El diseño de investigación fue experimental, con grupos de intervención y control. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 67 adultos de 60 a 89 años de edad. El programa consistió en nueve sesiones de 1.5 horas de duración y frecuencia semanal. Los temas incluyeron fortalezas de carácter, emociones positivas y regulación emocional. Se evaluó el afecto, el nivel de felicidad, el nivel de preocupación, el optimismo y la presión arterial. Los resultados indicaron que los participantes del programa incrementaron significativamente su nivel de felicidad y disminuyeron el nivel de preocupación y la presión arterial sistólica. El incremento del nivel de felicidad en personas mayores favorece la construcción de recursos personales y la implicación con objetivos y proyectos que les acercan al envejecimiento activo y saludable. Los resultados, limitaciones y mejoras de este trabajo son discutidos en el contexto de la psicología positiva y la psicología de la vejez.

The aim of this study was to show the efficacy of a pilot program based on positive psychology to enhance the well-being of the elderly. The experimental design included intervention and control groups. The sample consisted of 67 adults aged 60-89. The program included nine 1.5 hour weekly sessions. The program topics included character strengths, positive emotions, and emotional regulation. The variables assessed were affection, happiness level, concern level, optimism, and blood pressure. The results show that participants in the program significantly increased the happiness level and decreased the concern level, and systolic blood pressure. Increasing the level of happiness in the elderly favours the construction of personal resources and involvement with goals and projects that bring them to active and healthy aging. Results and limitations are discussed on the basis of the positive psychology and ageing psychology.

Relation between marital satisfaction and character strengths in young people / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between marital satisfaction and character strengths in young people. Methods:An online survey was delivered to 307 married people (aged 2 1 -44 with years of mar-riage 0-20). Marital satisfaction was measured with the Evaluating and Nurturing Relationship Issues,Communica-tion,and Happiness (ENRICH,including intrapersonal,interpersonal,and external factors and marital satisfaction). Character strengths were measured with Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS,total 24 character strengths were classified into 4 high level character strength factors including heart-focus on self,heart-focus on oth-ers,mind-focus on self,mind-focus on others). Results:All 24 character strengths scores and 4 high level character strength factors scores were positively correlated with marital satisfaction score (r=0. 17 -0. 53,Ps<0. 01 ). Four high level character strength factors positively affected marital satisfaction through the mediation of 3 marital factors. Conclusion:The results indicate that the young people's marital satisfaction is closely related to their char-acter strengths,and character strengths affect marital satisfaction through 3 marital factors.

Liderança Global Virtuosa / Global Leadership Learned

Mostramos como as forças do carácter e as virtudes ajudam os líderes globais a ser mais eficazes e a contribuir para o desempenho positivo das organizações e das pessoas com as quais interagem. Usamos o quadro de análise de Peterson e Seligman (2004), abarcando vinte e quatro forças do carácter, que se agrupam em seis virtudes nucleares (sabedoria/discernimento, coragem, humanidade, justiça, temperança e transcendência). O texto inspira-se na tese de Ghoshal e Moran (2005), segundo a qual as teorias da gestão devem ser correctas e boas ­ ou seja, assentes em fundamentos teóricos e empíricos apropriados e obedecendo a critérios éticos e justos. É nosso objectivo sugerir que líderes globais virtuosos podem contribuir para fomentar o desempenho organizacional e criar um mundo mais justo e sustentável para os humanos.

We show how virtues and character strengths help global leaders to be more effective and promote the positive performance of organizations and people with whom they interact. We use de framework proposed by Peterson and Seligman (2004), which embraces twenty four character strengths grouped in six core virtues (wisdom and knowledge, courage, justice, humanity, temperance, and transcendence). The article is inspired by the idea Ghoshal and Moran (2005), who argued that management theories must be both right and good. We suggest that virtuous global leaders may promote positive organizational performance and contribute to build a more fair and sustainable world.