Building Character Strength In Children: Qualitative Analysis of Strength Themes In Children's Literature
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Psychology
Advisor Information
Dr. Lisa Scherer, PhD. Associate Professor
Location
MBSC304 - U
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
24-3-2023 9:00 AM
End Date
24-3-2023 10:15 AM
Abstract
The emerging field of positive psychology has recently adopted a common language that defines the best parts of people's personalities. This common language, as described by the VIA Institute on Character, is composed of 24 character strengths that everyone possesses to a certain degree. Each of the character strengths falls within one of six broad virtue categories: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. This qualitative analysis is focused on the examination of the 24 character strengths from the VIA Institute, as represented in children's literature. The qualitative analysis aimed to find patterns in children's literature in relation to the book's character strength categorization. Throughout the process of literature categorization, a pattern of specific vocabulary was noted. Frequency data confirms use of the categorized "character strength" or synonyms of the strength, as prominent vocabulary within the narratives. This discovery has led to the proposal of a future study that will further examine what criteria is needed within children's literature to enhance the effect of the targeted character strength.
Scheduling
9:15-10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-Noon
Building Character Strength In Children: Qualitative Analysis of Strength Themes In Children's Literature
MBSC304 - U
The emerging field of positive psychology has recently adopted a common language that defines the best parts of people's personalities. This common language, as described by the VIA Institute on Character, is composed of 24 character strengths that everyone possesses to a certain degree. Each of the character strengths falls within one of six broad virtue categories: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. This qualitative analysis is focused on the examination of the 24 character strengths from the VIA Institute, as represented in children's literature. The qualitative analysis aimed to find patterns in children's literature in relation to the book's character strength categorization. Throughout the process of literature categorization, a pattern of specific vocabulary was noted. Frequency data confirms use of the categorized "character strength" or synonyms of the strength, as prominent vocabulary within the narratives. This discovery has led to the proposal of a future study that will further examine what criteria is needed within children's literature to enhance the effect of the targeted character strength.