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The Relationship between Character Strength Use and the Level of Self-Esteem

Klimow, Stefanie (2019) The Relationship between Character Strength Use and the Level of Self-Esteem.

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Abstract:University students are a major risk group for psychological diseases and mental health problems compared to the general population. This is the result of higher demands, stressful circumstances and exhaustion due to their studies. One possible way to deal with these stressful circumstances is to increase the self-esteem level of the students, which could have a positive effect on mental health, according to previous research. Since the focus on character strengths, and especially the use of character strengths, evidentially increases the level of self-esteem and general mental well-being, it was hypothesized that there should be a positive relationship between Character Strength Use and Self-Esteem of the participants. The sample size consisted of University students of the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Therefore, the research consisted of several questionnaires that comprised the short form of the VIA-IS, the Strength Use Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results of this research indicate that there is no significant relationship between the Character Strength Use of the participants and their Self-Esteem, which led to the rejection of the hypothesis. Nevertheless, there are considerable limitations that could impair the data. In previous research, the actual and practical use of the character strengths was frequently emphasized in order to increase the self-esteem. This was not done in this research. Additionally, there was only one measurement instead of more in order to observe an increase or decrease after some time in which the character strengths were actually carried out. Therefore, this research lacks the more practical aspect of the character strength use, which should be taken into account. Nevertheless, these findings can be used as a starting point and inspiration to execute more research with University students regarding their character strength use and how to improve their self-esteem level in order to lessen the risks of psychological diseases.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/78122
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