Page 12 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 20
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Literature Review
Posi�ve Psychology and Character Virtues Well-being
Posi�ve psychology, widely popularized in 2000 Two conceptualiza�ons of well-being have pro-
by Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000), has duced different inquiries into developmental
led to significant interest in character virtues as and social processes related to well-being
a means of achieving wellness. Seligman and (Ryan & Deci, 2001), leading to conceptual con-
Csikszentmihalyi (2000) found that “psycholo- fusion. The hedonic perspec�ve (o�en called
gists have scant knowledge of what makes life subjec�ve well-being) suggests that well-being
worth living” (p. 5). This pronouncement s�mu- consists of experiencing happiness, sa�sfac�-
lated extensive research, amongst which lies on, and pleasure (Ryan & Deci, 2001; Ryff,
character virtues, which are a�ributes one 2013), while the eudaimonic perspec�ve sug-
learns in rela�onship to others and contexts, gests well-being includes processes of meaning
and subsequently u�lize or express to thrive in making, strivings to become, and fulfilment of
life (Bellehumeur et al., 2017; Hoyos-Valdés, one’s true nature (Ryan & Deci, 2001; Ryff,
2018; Lerner, 2019). 2013). These perspec�ves are not fundamen-
tally opposed, rather they illuminate the
Research into numerous virtues and strengths breadth of well-being as a construct. Three ma-
has occurred, and this study is selec�ve, inves- jor approaches to the measurement of well-
�ga�ng humility, gra�tude, and compassion, being have emerged, including objec�ve, sub-
due to their links to increased well-being (De- jec�ve, and psychological measures (Forgeard
morest, 2019; McCullough et al., 2002; Van et al., 2011). Due to well-being’s breadth Forge-
Tongeren et al., 2019). For example, humility ard et al. (2011) suggested researchers do well
has demonstrated a rela�onship to life sa�sfac- to persevere the complexity of the construct by
�on, stress-buffering (Krause, 2016; Krause et integra�ng mul�ple views of well-being inclu-
al., 2016), and producing prosocial benefits ding emo�ons, meaning, and sa�sfac�on, to
such as trust, empathy, and behaviors that lead form a ‘dashboard’ array. In this study we fol-
to personal flourishing (Krause et al., 2016; low the dashboard approach to holis�cally
Krumrei-Mancuso, 2017). Lavelock et al. (2017) discern what impact Chris�an rela�onship with
suggest humility may act as a master virtue fa- God may have on well-being through character
cilita�ng the development of other virtues. virtues.
Gra�tude, is somewhat complex in the litera-
ture, some�mes defined as an emo�on and Chris�an Rela�onship with God
some�mes as an a�tude of benevolent accep- A rela�onship with God is defined in numerous
tance of indebtedness (Emmons & Crumpler, ways across religions and philosophies. An emic
2000). Nonetheless, gra�tude is strongly linked Chris�an perspec�ve on rela�onship with God
to well-being as grateful people focus on bles- suggests it is both mystery and a tangible reali-
sings and enjoy prosocial benefits, a sense of ty that includes the offer of joining in the peri-
connec�on, improved sleep quality, and overall chore�c (communal) life of the Trinity (Genesis
sa�sfac�on (Cunha et al., 2019; Emmons & Mc- 1; Volf, 1996). The Bible includes many exhorta-
Cullough, 2003). Finally, compassion serves as �ons to commune with God, and names this as
the third virtue. Compassion is understood as a human need (1 Cor 1:9, Jon 14:23). Chris�ans
mo�va�on of a person to feel the extent of an- believe the goal of this union is fellowship with
other’s emo�ons, accompanied by the desire God that provides meaning, personal forma�-
to help (Fulton, 2018; Roberts, 2017). This vir- on, and redemp�on (Anstey, 2017). In part, this
tue increases well-being by benefi�ng rela�- forma�on results from a desire to follow the
onships, reducing anxiety, regula�ng emo�ons, God who has rela�onship with his people: “Put
and increasing posi�ve experiences (Demorest, on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and be-
2019; Engen & Singer, 2015). Collec�vely these loved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humili-
three virtues appear to enhance well-being. ty (Col 3:12)… And be thankful (Col 3:15).”
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