Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues among Iranian Students with Emphasize on Culture

The purpose of this study was to identify character strengths and virtues among Iranian students aged 18 to 28 years and to classify these strengths and virtues according to Iranian culture. The research method was qualitative with exploratory grounded theory design. Content analysis technique was used to analyze focus group interviews. Study population consisted of undergraduate and Masters students of Tehran of University in the academic year 2018-2019 who were selected by purposive sampling. Selected individuals were evaluated using Adulthood Markers Questionnaire and only those with emerging adulthood characteristics participated in the study. Sample size adequacy in the qualitative approach was determined according to the principle of saturation during the research process. Data collection tool included interviews conducted through focus groups (6 groups including 24 female students and 11 male students). Themes were analyzed using MAXQDA10 software. Findings indicated the following four factors or virtues in Iranian society: wisdom (including analytical thinking, self-regulation, moderation and love of learning), courage (including bravery, honesty, and independence), humanity (including justice, kindness, forgiveness), and transcendence (including appreciation of beauty and excellence, hope, and spirituality). In other words, instead of Values in Action Institute’s classification including six virtues and 24 strengths, the present research conducted by content analysis method resulted in four virtues and 13 strengths based on priorities of Iranian society.