Peer-reviewed article
Intervenciones Basadas en Fortalezas del Carácter y Bienestar Adolescente: Revisión Sistemática 2020-2026
Ángel Patricio Herrera-Carrión, Ana Cecilia Chimbo-Pérez, Darwin Sebastián Ruiz-Mena, Diego Francisco Mora-Yépez ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This systematic review looked at studies published between 2020 and 2026 on programmes that build character strengths in adolescents aged 10 to 19. It searched four databases, found 1,425 records and included 12 articles covering 11 independent studies or projects. The programmes were linked to better happiness, life satisfaction, positive affect, resilience, self-efficacy and socioemotional functioning. Some studies also found less anxiety, depression and hopelessness, but the effects were uneven and did not always last at follow-up. The authors conclude that character strengths can be trained, especially when practice is guided, sustained and culturally relevant.
Key points
- 12 articles (11 independent studies or projects) were included from 1,425 records, using PRISMA 2020 guidance.
- Favourable outcomes were reported for happiness, life satisfaction, positive affect, resilience, self-efficacy and socioemotional functioning.
- Some studies reported reductions in anxiety, depression and hopelessness.
- Effects were not uniform and did not always persist during follow-up.
- Guided, sustained and culturally relevant practice was described as most promising.
Limitations
The abstract does not name the countries, the designs of the included studies, the specific programmes or any effect sizes. Differences in methods between studies meant no meta-analysis could be done, so the findings are a narrative synthesis only.
Abstract
Justification: Character strength-based interventions represent a potential strategy for promoting well-being during adolescence and strengthening psychological resources applicable in educational and preventive contexts. Objective: To synthesize the evidence published between 2020 and 2026 on the effects of these interventions on well-being and associated psychosocial outcomes in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. Methodology: A systematic review guided by PRISMA 2020 was conducted, with searches in Scopus, PubMed, Taylor & Francis Online, and Dialnet. Of the 1,425 records identified, 12 articles corresponding to 11 independent studies or projects were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the MMAT 2018, and the findings were synthesized through a narrative review. Results: The interventions showed favorable outcomes in happiness, life satisfaction, positive affect, resilience, self-efficacy, and socioemotional functioning. Some studies also reported reductions in anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, although the effects were not uniform and did not always persist during follow-up. Methodological heterogeneity prevented the conduct of a meta-analysis. Conclusion: Character strengths are trainable resources with potential utility for promoting adolescent well-being, especially when their practice is guided, sustained, and culturally relevant.