Work

Exploring Associations of Character Profiles and Out-Of-School Time Activities Among Children and Adolescents

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Conceptualizing character from a relational developmental systems metatheory, this study utilizes a person-oriented approach to examine profiles of character strengths in children and adolescents. Using Q sort methodology, 90 youth (Mage = 13.0, 51% female) sorted 12 character strengths based on how much each strength represented them. Using Q factor analyses, three character profiles emerged: Future-Minded Leaders viewed themselves as leaders who were purposeful and future-minded; these youth engaged in sports, volunteering, and academic clubs. Joyful Givers reported high joy, generosity, and forgiveness, and often engaged in sports and civic activities. Creative Leaders shared strengths of leadership and creativity, and commonly engaged in sports and leadership groups. Thrift, awe, and humility were rarely identified as top strengths. Results provide a descriptive snapshot of what character looks like in childhood and adolescence and illustrate a useful methodology for measuring character strengths across diverse ages. Results also provide insights into the ways out-of-school time activities are associated with character profiles

Source: Journal of Character Education

DOI: 10.1108/jced-11-2017-0005

Authors: Jennifer Shubert, Laura Wray-Lake, Aaron Metzger, Amy K. Syvertsen

Institutions: University of Rochester, University of California System, West Virginia University, Search Institute

Language: English

Topic: Youth Development and Social Support

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2795271304