Abstract
Strengths are presumed to be universal characteristics that are possessed by all people and explain wellbeing. However, a few previous studies have demonstrated cultural differences in endorsement of certain strengths and in the contribution of certain strengths to well-being. These studies suggest that sociological factors may differentially affect strength endorsement and associations with well-being. In this study, we examined differences in personal strength endorsement and associations with well-being between two distinct Israeli community samples: (1) 97 religious female youth-leaders aged 18-20; and (2) 100 secular male police investigators aged 23-50. All participants completed the Virtues in Action survey and the well-being scale of the Mental Health Inventory. Results revealed significant differences between the samples on the ratings of eight strengths, and on the strengths most highly associated with well-being. The differential relevance of certain strengths to specific communities and their members' well-being is discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 299-312 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Health Sociology Review |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Personal strengths
- Signature strengths
- Sociology
- Virtues in action (VIA)
- Well-being
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Sociology and Political Science