Gender Differences in Character Strengths and Well-being

Description

Page: 454-459

Sher Singh and Manju (Department of Applied Psychology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana)

Character strengths are the subparts of personality traits that are morally valued (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). They are virtuously valued in every culture throughout history because they are necessary to contribute to well-being and protect against risk and a life of deviation (Dahlsgaard, Peterson. & Seligman, 2005). The current investigation was conducted to look into the differences in character strength and well-being of boys and girls. The sample of 75 boys and 75 girls (N=150) within the age range of 14-18 years was selected. VIA-YOUTH 96 and PERMA Profiler were used to measure character strengths and well-being. After data collection, the mean difference was examined by applying a t-test using SPSS 16. The results revealed significant gender differences in character strength and well-being. Character strength is found to be higher in girls than boys. Girls scored higher on the negative dimensions of well-being, whereas boys scored higher on the positive dimensions of well-being. Well-being of boys was found to be better than that of girls.