Importance of identifying and fostering positive character strengths in early years for a bright future as emerging adults

Pages:306-310
Shinto Thomas (Department of Psychology, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bangalore, Karnataka)
Alphonsa Jose K. (Doctoral Research Scholar, Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry)

The term emerging adults is a relatively new term used to denote the individuals aged between 18-24 years. The researchers have pointed out that this age group is quite different and unique and different terminologies used at present are inadequate in showcasing the unique characteristics of this age group. Previous researchers would agree on one point that emerging adulthood is a stage where individual’s productive contribution to society begins and they really possesses huge potentials for growth and development. At the same time more vulnerable to risk behaviors and unhealthy lifestyle habits which will hamper the finest actualization of their potentials. So, how the emerging adults could be molded in such a way that will minimize their vulnerability to risk behaviors? During the previous developmental year’s society and parents had significant role in character formation and development, but in emerging adulthood it is more of individual himself and the peers around him. The role of family and society becomes very minimal because of their unique characteristics as emerging adulthood. In such scenario, how can we reduce the emerging adults’ vulnerability to risk behaviors? Positive psychology has a significant role to play here. Moldings and interventions based on Positive psychology approach in early years would equip the individual to overcome their vulnerability to risk behaviors. These intervention aims at identifying and nurturing positive character strengths of the individual in the early years. This chapter emphasizes the role of identifying and fostering positive strengths and culture specific values in early years and adolescents so that when they become emerging adults they would be highly productive and fruitful citizens and won’t spoil theirs as well as the nation’s future by engaging in risk behaviors and national asseth.