مهسا جباری - Health and clinical psychology group, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
شهریار شهیدی - Health and clinical psychology group, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
لیلی پناغی - Family health group, Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
محمد علی مظاهری - Health and clinical psychology group,Psychology and Educational Sciences faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Iranian experts and adolescents define the ۲۴ character strengths. With this aim in mind, through on purpose method of sampling, semi-structured interviews about definitions of the ۲۴ character strengths were conducted with ten specialists (including psychologists, counselors, and teachers). Furthermore, the opinions of two gender-segregated groups of nine grade students about character strengths’ definitions were discussed in focus groups for girls (N= ۷) and for boys (N= ۶). Students were selected based on their availability at the time of research and their willingness to take part in discussion groups. Data were analyzed using content analysis and directive approach. Results showed that there was conformity with Peterson and Seligman’s (۲۰۰۴) definitions and Iranian experts-adolescents’ definitions in twelve character strengths and also there were some differences in definitions of other character strengths (e.g., bravery, zest, and honesty). These similarities and differences were discussed. Based on the findings of this research, it can be claimed that there is almost compliance between definitions of the ۲۴ character strengths in Iranian society and the definitions of the character strengths and virtues classification and this classification can be used in research related to this topic.

Character strengths, qualitative research, adolescents, positive psychology, توانمندی های منشی, مطالعه ی کیفی, نوجوانان, روان شناسی مثبت نگر