Background

Ruch et al. (2014) developed the Character Strengths Rating Form, a brief measure for the Values in Action-classification of 24 strengths (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). To lead a good life, positive traits known as character strengths are essential (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). Many empirical studies show that character strengths positively affect well-being among adolescents and adults. Investigating whether character strengths contribute to well-being in later life across the entire lifespan is vital. However, few studies have specifically examined the relationship between character strengths and well-being among retired older adults. If this relationship among the older adults is verified, we could say character strengths play an important role throughout life.

Aims

This study examined the relationship between character strengths and well-being among older adults in Japan.

Method

We measured character strengths and well-being among older adults using the Character Strengths Rating Form (Ruch et al.,2014), translated into Japanese (Aoki, Li, & Cao, 2022). Well-being was measured using the PERMA-Profiler (Butler & Kern, 2016), wherein PERMA, negative emotion, loneliness, and overall happiness questions were used. We administered the measures online to older adults who registered on the website. The data was screened for validity using trap questions, resulting in a final sample of 89 men and 93 women aged 61–92 years in Japan.

Results and Conclusion

Overall happiness was used as a representative measure of general well-being here. Our findings indicate that 23 strengths (except religiousness & spirituality) of older adults positively relate to well-being in Japan. The results revealed that zest, kindness, and humor had high correlations with overall happiness (r≥0.5, *p<.05). We will provide the other results of PERMA-Profiler during the presentation.