Positive psychological strengths and school engagement in primary school children

Bronwyn Wilkins,Peter Boman,Amanda Mergler

doi:10.1080/2331186x.2015.1095680

Bronwyn Wilkins, Peter Boman + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186x.2015.1095680

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Abstract

AbstractA sizeable body of research has investigated the impact of specific character strengths or traits on significant outcomes. Some recent research is beginning to consider the effects of groups of strengths, combined as a higher order variable and termed covitality. This study investigated the combined influence of four positive character traits, gratitude, optimism, zest and persistence, upon school engagement, within a sample of 112 Australian primary school students. The combined effect of these four traits, in defining covitality as a higher or second-order factor within a path analysis, was found to predict relatively higher levels of school engagement and pro-social behaviour.

Highlights

Her Honours thesis related to issues of school engagement in primary school children which she has extended into the area of positive psychology
While many labels have been applied to the construct of school engagement, including school membership, attachment, bonding, connectedness and belonging (Blum & Libbey, 2004; Libbey, 2004), the current study considers school engagement as the individual’s perception of feeling accepted, respected, included and supported by others, within the school context (Goodenow, 1993)
The current study This study aims to support existing research around covitality in schools, as it investigates how positive psychological constructs relate to and predict school engagement and pro-social behaviour, within an Australian sample of primary school children

Summary

Introduction

Bronwyn Wilkins works as a guidance counsellor at a primary school in Queensland. Her Honours thesis related to issues of school engagement in primary school children which she has extended into the area of positive psychology. Peter Boman is a registered psychologist, teacher and associate professor in developmental and educational psychology, counselling and classroom management at the Australian College of Applied Psychology. His main research interests are in the area of positive psychology related to life span development. With Amanda Mergler, he co-authored a chapter in the Handbook of Positive Psychology in Schools (2014)

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