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.
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