Character Strengths of Self-Regulation and Purpose in Life as Predictors of Life Satisfaction and Mental Wellbeing

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate virtues and character strength, more specifically, self-regulation and purpose in life and their relationship, to better understand the importance of virtues and character strengths in relation to mental health, psychological well-being and satisfaction with life. Positive psychologists approach posits that virtues and character strengths are the bedrock of flourishing individuals and optimally functioning institutions and society. The scales used were standardised Self-Control Scale (SCS) and Purpose in Life test (PIL). The sample size of the study was N= 279 and the population was Catholic consecrated men in Initial Formation. The location of the study was the Archdiocese of Nairobi- Kenya. The data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that, 95% of Catholic consecrated men in Initial Formation had high levels of self-regulation and 97.1% had good degree of purpose in life. The Pearson's correlation indicated a positive correlation between self-regulation and purpose in life (r= .276, p Ë‚ .000, N= 279). The study showed that the character strengths of self-regulation and purpose in life are ingrained aspects that contribute to mental wellbeing and life satisfaction.