Relation among character strengths, positive empathy, and subjective happiness

Abstract

Character strengths have been a core topic of research in positive psychology. Character strengths can not only contribute to the individual outcome (e.g., well-being, subjective happiness) but also promote positive relationship with others. Similarly, empathy plays an important role in maintaining and improving human interactions. In particular, positive empathy (the empathy of positive emotions) is positively associated with prosocial behaviors and relationship satisfaction. However, little is known about the relationships between character strengths and positive empathy. This study examined the relation between character strengths and positive empathy. Furthermore, we considered the effects of strengths and positive empathy on subjective happiness. A total of 249 Japanese undergraduates (69.5% females; mean age = 19.4; standard deviation = 1.57) completed a questionnaire measuring strength knowledge, strength use, positive empathy, and subjective happiness. Strength knowledge and strength use were positively related to positive empathy and subjective happiness. Further a multiple regression analysis indicated that strength use and positive empathy could predict subjective happiness. Our results suggest that strength is related to positive empathy and that strength use and positive empathy have an impact on happiness. The implications of these findings for strengths and positive empathy will now be discussed.