Character Strengths and Life Satisfaction of Slovenian In-service and Pre-service Teachers

Abstract

Character strengths and life satisfaction of Slovenian in-service and preservice teachers were researched. The VIA-IS self-assessment questionnaire has been translated into the Slovenian language and has been used for the first time in Slovenia. A total of 173 primary school teachers and 77 student teachers from the Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana,completed the VIA-IS and the Satisfaction with Life Scale questionnaires. The highest reported strengths in both groups studied were fairness, kindness, integrity and love. Unexpectedly, both in-service and pre-service teachers reported low endorsements of creativity; inserviceteachers also showed low endorsement of humour. Surprisingly, the lowest endorsed strength of pre-service teachers was love of learning. Correlations between strengths and life satisfaction were consistent with related research findings. Low endorsement of creativity, teachers’ humour and students’ love of learning are discussed. From the researchfindings, it can be concluded that professional environment should stimulate, as well as provide support and opportunities for teachers to build not only upon the strengths of humanity and justice, but also on those of wisdom and knowledge. There is a need in the undergraduate level of teacher education for systematic interventions regarding students’ intellectual strengths with a special focus on cultivating their creativity.

Character strengths of first-year student teachers and the 5 Cs of the Positive Youth Development framework: A mixed-methods study

“…Kindness is important for promoting Caring and Connection. Kindness is another character strength that is usually highly expressed by student teachers (Gradišek, 2012), for example: "I always like to do someone a favour, it is never difficult for me to help". Kindness indicates the orientation of the self towards the other and is manifested in the tendency to help others, be generous, compassionate and caring .…”

Positive Youth Development in Contexts

“…Love is, according to our findings, important for promoting Competence, Confidence and Connection. Love is a character strength often typical of student teachers (Gradišek, 2012) who find it easy to use in everyday life, e.g. : "I really enjoy showing love, showing people that I listen to them, I try to give them advice, help them understand, comfort them, cheer them up, and show them that I care with my actions, not just words".…”

The role of character strengths in teachers' mental health: Contributions of positive psychology

“…In a study conducted in Slovenia, Gradišek (2012) analyzed the hierarchy of character strengths of both incumbent and junior teachers. In addition, it related them to the life satisfaction of the interviewees.…”

“…When analyzing the questions presented earlier by Heintz and Ruch (2020) whether the character strengths found in teachers are the result of the selection or socialization effect, the data found suggest the first option. Finally, based on the results, Gradišek (2012) understands that acting in a fair and affectionate way with students are necessary characteristics for the teaching-learning process to occur satisfactorily. He adds that it is possible that people with these traits are more likely to pursue a career in teaching.…”

“…Both also scored low on creativity, self-regulation, and spirituality. Such forces, when not developed, can negatively interfere in the teacher-student relationship, which justifies, for the author, the stimulation of them from the graduation of future educators (Gradišek, 2012). According to the authors, the love of learning should be strengthened as a value in teacher training, since this is apparently not a criterion for Slovenian university students to choose this career.…”