Character strengths and health-related quality of life in a large international sample: A cross-sectional analysis

We examine associations between 24 character strengths (CS) and 15 health-related outcomes. We hypothesize that CS are favorably associated with positive health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes, health behaviors, purpose in life, and lead to lower disease risk. Data from a large sample of approximately 60,000 respondents from 159 countries were used. CS yielding the most significant favorable associations across HRQoL outcomes were zest, self-regulation, hope, and gratitude. Concerning health behaviors, the primary character strengths were zest and self-regulation, while for a sense of purpose in life, these were hope, spirituality, and zest. The most consistently unfavorable association with the outcomes was observed for the strength of appreciation of beauty. Some negative associations may result from suboptimal use of CS.