| dc.description.abstract | Research on individual strengths has historically been conducted with samples across the
lifespan. However, the conceptualization and operationalization of strengths has varied by study,
leaving gaps in the literature. In the present study, the character and psychosocial strengths
models were employed simultaneously to extend the psychosocial strengths approach into the
emerging adult undergraduate population. N=280 undergraduate students from Lakehead
University were recruited to complete measures of character strengths, psychosocial strengths,
retrospective strength development over time, well-being, anxiety, depression, stress, emotional
experience, and conduct problems. A number of hypotheses were tested to clarify the nature of
the relationships between these variables of interest and to establish construct validity for the
Strengths Assessment Inventory – Post Secondary (SAI-PS). The main findings were generally
consistent with the stated hypotheses and are used to frame psychosocial strengths within a
developmental model. Most notably, psychosocial strengths were significantly and positively
associated with well-being, though the respective negative associations found between
psychosocial strengths and depression and anxiety were no longer significant when accounting
for the variability due to stress. Emerging adulthood can be reconceptualized in light of the
positive associations between emotional character strengths and psychosocial strengths, as the
present findings were aligned with previously established theories of strengths in other life
stages. Psychometric properties of the SAI-PS were established in terms of convergent validity
with well-being and character strength measures, and discriminant validity with depression,
anxiety, and conduct problem measures. Implications of the results for future strength-based
interventions and research are discussed. | en_US |
