Character Strengths and Resilience in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the pandemic, older adults were perceived as a vulnerable group without considering their various strengths. This study explored the associations between character strengths and resilience, and verified if some of these could predict resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 92 participants (women = 79.1%), ≥ 70 years of age (mean = 75.6 years), completed an online version of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths – Positively keyed (VIA-IS-P) to assess 24 character strengths (grouped under six virtues) and the Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale. Results showed that 20 of the 24 strengths correlated positively and significantly with resilience. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the virtues of courage and transcendence, as well as attitudes toward aging, uniquely predicted the level of resilience. Interventions should be developed to improve certain strengths (e.g., creativity, zest, hope, humor, and curiosity), while reducing ageism, in order to promote resilience.

A systematic review of psychosocial protective factors against suicide and suicidality among older adults

“…For example, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and quality of life could be outcome variables of the feeling that one's life is meaningful or of one's ability to cope with adversity (resilience). Variables such as character strengths (perseverance, creativity, gratitude, hope, humor, bravery, zest), which have been overlooked by research with older adults, might be considered as protective factors that can contribute to resilience, as it was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic (Lapierre et al, 2023).…”