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Strengths Use as a Predictor of Well-Being and Health-Related Quality of Life

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Abstract

There is a growing body of research devoted to the examination of character strengths as conceptualized by Values-In-Action (VIA) strengths classification system. However, there remains a dearth of research examining generic strengths use and its relationship with well-being, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and VIA character strengths. In this crosssectional study, 135 undergraduate university students completed measures of strengths use, subjective well-being (SWB), self-esteem, self-efficacy, and HRQOL, and endorsed five top VIA strengths. Results revealed strengths use is a unique predictor of SWB, but not HRQOL. The VIA strengths of hope and zest were significant positive predictors of life satisfaction. The most commonly-endorsed VIA strengths were: love, humor, kindness, social intelligence, and open-mindedness. The least-endorsed VIA strengths were: leadership, perseverance, wisdom, spirituality, and self-control. Overall, results suggest an important link between generic strengths use and specific VIA strengths and their impact on SWB.

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Notes

  1. The same results were found using both forward and backward multiple linear regression analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK

    Carmel Proctor & John Maltby

  2. Centre of Applied Positive Psychology, The Venture Centre, University of Warwick Science Park, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry, CV4 7EZ, UK

    P. Alex Linley

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  1. Carmel Proctor
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  2. John Maltby
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  3. P. Alex Linley
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Correspondence to Carmel Proctor.

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Proctor, C., Maltby, J. & Linley, P.A. Strengths Use as a Predictor of Well-Being and Health-Related Quality of Life. J Happiness Stud 12, 153–169 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-009-9181-2

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