The Research Desk
Scientists at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez found adaptive emotion regulation and character strengths boost wellbeing in Chilean public-school students.
Wellbeing and mental health in Chilean public-school students: emotion regulation and character strengths.
- Optimism
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Ortiz-Correa, P., Escobar, M., Panesso Giraldo, C., Salinas, V., Rivera, R.
In plain language
This study investigates how emotion regulation and character strengths contribute to the wellbeing of Chilean public-school students. Researchers assessed over 3,500 students aged 8-18 using well-being and character strengths scales. They found that students who used adaptive emotion regulation strategies and possessed certain character strengths reported higher levels of happiness, optimism, and perseverance.
The study highlights the importance of integrating emotion regulation and character strengths into educational settings to enhance student wellbeing. It suggests that character strengths like hope, self-regulation, and teamwork are crucial for promoting positive outcomes in young people's lives.
Key findings
- Adaptive emotion regulation strategies are linked to higher happiness, optimism, and perseverance in younger students.
- Emotional difficulties are associated with lower wellbeing in older students.
- Character strengths like love of learning, hope, and self-regulation consistently predict higher wellbeing.
- Character strengths significantly increase the explained variance in perseverance and optimism.
- The integration of emotion regulation and strengths-based education can promote student wellbeing.
Why it matters
This research underscores the role of emotion regulation and character strengths in enhancing the wellbeing of students, offering insights into how educational environments can support flourishing.
Try this today
Educators and parents can focus on fostering adaptive emotion regulation strategies and developing character strengths such as hope and teamwork in children to improve their overall wellbeing and resilience.