Character strengths intervention in inclusive settings: a way to promote well-being all together ?

Abstract

The character strengths described in the VIA classification (Peterson & Seligman, 2004) have been linked with various aspects of well-being, such as positive emotions, engagement, and positive relationships. Concerning school, these benefits include children’s well-being, positive affects, school engagement and achievement (e.g. Wagner & Ruch, 2015). Niemiec, Shogren and Wehmeyer (2017) have recently outlined the lack of research regarding character strengths programs in children with disabilities.

We hypothesize that promoting the strengths of those children may be interesting in order to improve their inclusion as well as their positive affect. We also expect benefits for the other children in the classrooms that include children with special needs.

The first data are collected in November 2018 and preliminary results will be presented.