An Exploratory Study About Character Strengths in Argentinean Children

Abstract

This study focused on the second pillar of positive psychology –virtues and character strengths– with the purpose of exploring by a mixed approach –that is, emic - etic– self-perceived strengths in 163 children, 51% male and 49% female from Buenos Aires City (Argentina). Forty percent of the participants were 10 years old, 28% were 11 years old and 32% were 12 years old. Participants were asked to describe with their own words the character strengths they recognized in themselves. Integrity and goodness were the most frequently reported strengths, while spirituality, love for knowledge and prudence were the least mentioned strengths. Sex and age differences were found in relation to self-perceived strengths. No strengths different from those included in the Values in Action classification arised from the results.