The Resilience Function of Character Strengths in the Face of War and Protracted Conflict

Abstract

This study investigated the role of character strengths and virtues in moderating relations between conflict exposure and psychiatric symptoms among 1078 adolescents aged 13–15 living in southern Israel, who were exposed to lengthy periods of war, terrorism and political conflict. Adolescents were assessed for character strengths and virtues, political violence exposure using the Political Life Events (PLE) scale, and psychiatric symptoms using the Brief Symptom Inventory and the UCLA PTSD Index. Results confirmed that political violence exposure was positively correlated with psychiatric symptoms. Interpersonal, temperance and transcendence strengths were negatively associated with psychiatric symptoms. Moderating effects of the interpersonal strengths on the relation between political violence exposure and the psychiatric and PTSD indices were confirmed. The findings extend existing knowledge about the resilience function of character strengths in exposure to protracted conflict and have important practical implications for applying strength-building practices for adolescents who grow up in war-affected environments.

“Andrà tutto bene”. The effect of character strengths on psychological distress and self-efficacy during Covid-19 lockdown

“…In line with previous reports on populations experiencing stress (e.g. Martínez-Martí & Ruch, 2017;Duan, 2016;Shoshani & Slone, 2016;Weber et al, 2013), we expect transcendence strengths (such as hope, gratitude, love, spirituality, and zest), and restraint strengths (including perseverance, prudence, and self-regulation) to be the most strongly associated with psychological distress and self-efficacy. It has repeatedly been suggested that these strengths are particularly important in giving individuals the energy and determination to face challenging situations and helping them to regulate their behavior under stressful circumstances.…”

“…Following Niemiec's conceptualization (2019), these strengths may have both a reappraisal and a resilience function in a lockdown: they can support individuals' positive reframing of the situation, making them better able to appreciate smaller pleasures. Such a positive attitude is usually associated with better psychological outcomes, in both normal and exceptional conditions (Niemiec, 2013;Shoshani & Slone, 2016). As lockdown measures become less stringent, transcendence may also support people's resilience, possibly helping them to experience less psychological distress in the future as well (Martínez-Martí & Ruch, 2017).…”

“…In other words, the psychological impact of Covid-19 may persist, as seen in survivors after the SARS pandemic (Mak et al, 2009), in university students (Cheng & Cheung, 2005;Qian et al, 2005), and the general population (Yeung & Fung, 2007). Some evidence has also emerged regarding the protective in Israel (Shoshani & Slone, 2016), thus supporting the resilience function of character strengths. In short, character strengths are personal features fundamental to well-being and life satisfaction, but particularly important in times of adversity.…”

Exploring and assessing meaning in life in elementary school children: Development and validation of the meaning in life in children questionnaire (MIL-CQ)

“…Finally, this study was conducted in Israel, a tumultuous political environment in which children are exposed to chronic political violence (Slone & Shoshani, 2014). This may impact different aspects of their meaning in life, SWB, and mental health (Shoshani & Slone, 2016;Slone & Shoshani, 2008). Hence the MIL-CQ should be utilized in different cultural contexts to draw broader conclusions regarding the development of meaning in life in early childhood.…”

Through the Looking Glass: The Role of Ethnicity and Affiliation in Responses to Terrorism in the Media

“…Research examining the implications of this infiltration of political conflict into civilian life via the media has demonstrated its negative psychological impact, showing resultant increased anxiety (Slone, 2000; Slone and Shoshani, 2014a), anger (Yukawa et al, 2001; Slone et al, 2009; Slone and Shoshani, 2010), pity and fury (Sontag, 2005; Slone and Shoshani, 2006a, 2008b), risk behaviors (Shoshani et al, 2014, 2016), and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, such as nightmares, anxiety, and fear (Joshi and Kaschak, 1998; Slone et al, 2013; Shoshani and Slone, 2016). Studies of the effects of extended media exposure to the events of September 11th revealed associated high levels of post traumatic symptoms and an assortment of severe negative emotions from acute psychological distress to more prolonged feelings of vulnerability and insecurity (Gil-Rivas et al, 2004; Marshall and Galea, 2004).…”