Forças do caráter de idosos: conhecer e intervir

Abstract

Character strengths (CS) are positive individual traits manifested through thoughts, feelings and actions, which contribute to the collective and individual well-being. However, little is known about the expression of the 24 CS proposed by Values in Action in old age. Four empirical studies were performed to describe and promote CS among the elderly. One of them describes the Brazilian elderly CS (n=188. Age: M=69.62; SD=7.99), emphasizing the most endorsed traits (Honesty, Spirituality, Gratitude, Kindness and Fairness) and the least endorsed ones (Love of Learning, Creativity, Perspective, Self-Regulation and Bravery). Associations with gender and correlations with age, schooling, depressive symptoms and psychological well-being (PWB) were also performed. No differences were observed between genders. Only Self-Regulation was positively and significantly correlated with age. Love, Hope, Curiosity, Forgiveness and Zest were correlated with higher levels of PWB and lower levels of depressive symptoms. Another study compares the CS of the Brazilian (n=74. Age: M=71.66; SD=7.34) and Portuguese (n=74. Age: M=72.01; SD=7.55) elderly, associating them with PWB, depressive symptoms and other variables. Generally, there were more similarities than differences between the two nationalities. In order to promote CS, two positive interventions of Strengths-Based Character Education for the Elderly (Educação para o Caráter Baseada em Forças para Idoso – Educafi) were carried out, one with elderly community members (n=41) and the other with the residents of a Long-Term Care Institution (n=4). In addition to promoting CS, Educafi also aims to promote satisfaction with life and PWB and reducing depressive symptoms. The results showed that Educafi was more adequate to reduce symptoms of depression for the elderly community members. Moreover, it seemed to aid in the improvement of PWB and cognitive status, as well as in the decreasing hopelessness in institutionalized elders. The contributions and limitations of the studies were analyzed considering the increase of the elderly population and the need to promote positive aging. It is also emphasized the need for further researches about the relationship between CS and positive old age.