Using youth-specific approaches to illuminate character-well-being relations

To date, most studies linking youth well-being to character attributes focus on average effects based on between-person differences. In this study, we examined the within- and between-person relations among character attributes and well-being using an intensive longitudinal data set from the Compassion International (CI) Study of Positive Youth Development in Uganda. Participants (200 CI-enrolled youth, 49.5% female, Mage = 12.13, SDage = 2.19) completed a weekly survey of character attributes (e.g. generosity) and well-being across 10 to 15 occasions. Using doubly latent multilevel structural equation modelling, we found distinct patterns of associations between character constructs and well-being at both levels. Significant variability was also found at the within-person level associations, suggesting that average-level results may not apply to specific individuals. The different pattern of associations across levels and heterogeneity in the person-specific relationships, imply that character development programmes should consider person-specificity in character development to enhance effectiveness in fostering character and promoting overall well-being.