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Character Strengths and Life Satisfaction in Later Life: an Analysis of Different Living Conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Doris Baumann

    (University of Zurich)

  • Willibald Ruch

    (University of Zurich)

  • Katja Margelisch

    (Bern University of Teacher Education)

  • Fabian Gander

    (University of Zurich)

  • Lisa Wagner

    (University of Zurich)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the role of character strengths and their associations to life satisfaction in older people. We were interested in studying several transitions that are specific for older people: aging, retirement, living alone, and being widowed. We examined the relationships of these demographic characteristics and living conditions with character strengths and studied their effects on the association of character strengths with life satisfaction. In a cross-sectional analysis, 15,598 older adults (aged 46–93 years) who had completed measures on character strengths, life satisfaction, and demographic characteristics and living conditions were selected from an existing database. Overall, analyses revealed positive associations of most character strengths with age, and higher scores in most character strengths for the employed (vs. the retired) and those living with a partner (vs. those living alone), while only few relationships with being widowed (vs. being married) were observed. Further, the contribution of character strengths to life satisfaction generally decreased slightly with age, but increased for certain character strengths, such as modesty or prudence. Also, stronger relationships between several character strengths and life satisfaction were found for retired people and those living alone, while being widowed did not affect these relationships. The results demonstrate how character strengths might contribute to the life satisfaction of older adults in various living conditions and thereby offer a starting point for strengths-based programs in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • Doris Baumann & Willibald Ruch & Katja Margelisch & Fabian Gander & Lisa Wagner, 2020. "Character Strengths and Life Satisfaction in Later Life: an Analysis of Different Living Conditions," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(2), pages 329-347, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:15:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s11482-018-9689-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-018-9689-x
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    1. Wencke Gwozdz & Alfonso Sousa-Poza, 2010. "Ageing, Health and Life Satisfaction of the Oldest Old: An Analysis for Germany," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 97(3), pages 397-417, July.
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    3. Cheng-Hua Wang & Fu-Fei Tsai, 2021. "Health Resources and Well-Being in Optimal Aging: The Mediating Role of Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
    4. Irene Daskalopoulou & Athanasia Karakitsiou & Christina Malliou, 2022. "A Multicriteria Analysis of Life Satisfaction: Assessing Trust and Distance Effects," SN Operations Research Forum, Springer, vol. 3(4), pages 1-20, December.
    5. Datu, Jesus Alfonso D. & Jose Mateo, Nino, 2020. "Character strengths, academic self-efficacy, and well-being outcomes in the Philippines: A longitudinal study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    6. Tommaso Feraco & Nicole Casali & Elena Carbone & Chiara Meneghetti & Erika Borella & Barbara Carretti & Veronica Muffato, 2024. "Soft skills and their relationship with life satisfaction and cognitive reserve in adulthood and older age," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-10, December.
    7. Helena Andrade Figueira & Olivia Andrade Figueira & Carla Corradi-Perini & Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez & Alan Andrade Figueira & Carlos Roberto Lyra da Silva & Estelio Henrique Martin Dantas, 2021. "A Descriptive Analytical Study on Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Sustainable Aging," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-12, May.

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