Character strengths as predictive factors of resilience in challenging periods of an individual’s life

Manuscript (ελληνικά)
Published: Απρ 21, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/psy_hps.45299
Keywords:
psychological resilience, character strengths, positive emotions, virtues
Angeliki Lianou
Department of Early Childhood Education, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2660-5243
Maria Malikiosi - Loizos
Department of Early Childhood Education, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Abstract

Inspired by the recent global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines the contribution of the 24 character strengths to psychological resilience in adults during critical life periods. Character strengths are traits that foster well-being and act as protective factors against psychopathology. Psychological resilience, defined as positive adaptation to adversity, is closely linked to experiencing positive emotions even during periods of intense stress. Data were collected from a sample of 385 adults from the general population using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-114-GR), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the mDES-Greek Version. Data analyses (correlations and hierarchical regression) indicated that most character strengths were positively correlated with resilience. Specifically, Gratitude, Hope, Bravery, Creativity, and Perspective emerged as the strongest predictors, collectively explaining 72.9% of its variance. The findings highlight the critical role of character strengths as internal resources for bolstering resilience during times of crisis.

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