ABSTRACT

The present study comprises five meta-analyses (47 samples with a total N of 1,098,748) that investigate cross-sectional age differences in the 24 character strengths entailed in the VIA model. It is expected that most strengths show age differences, especially higher levels throughout adulthood. Ten age groups from early adolescence (10–12 years) to late adulthood (65+ years) were compared for each strength using random-effects models. Overall, significant age differences were found for 23 of the 24 character strengths (all except perspective) across the lifespan, with 91% of the effects indicating higher levels of the character strengths with age. Effect sizes were mostly very small, in line with age differences found for other traits. Most age differences were found for creativity, curiosity, love of learning, zest, and self-regulation as well as in middle adulthood. These results provide an impetus for research and applications on the development of character strengths.

摘要

本研究包括五项荟萃分析（47 个样本，总共N1,098,748) 调查了 VIA 模型中 24 种性格优势的横截面年龄差异。预计大多数优势表现出年龄差异，尤其是整个成年期的更高水平。使用随机效应模型比较了从青春期早期（10-12 岁）到成年晚期（65 岁以上）的 10 个年龄组的每种强度。总体而言，在整个生命周期中，24 种性格优势中的 23 种（除了透视之外）存在显着的年龄差异，其中 91% 的影响表明随着年龄的增长，性格优势水平会更高。效应量大多非常小，与其他特征的年龄差异一致。大多数年龄差异是在创造力、好奇心、对学习的热爱、热情和自我调节以及成年中期发现的。