Abstract
D. Litt. et Phil.
In the past, psychology has typically focused on identifying and treating mental
illness, psychological deficits and disabilities, and research was often concerned with
the respective roles of nature and nurture in behavioural problems. A number of
psychologists and researchers have initiated a paradigm shift to one of positive
psychology which emphasises enhancing personal strengths, developing and
maintaining well-being, and encouraging positive emotions. Little research however
has thus far been done to investigate the role of nature and nurture in psychological
wellness.
The current study addressed this dearth in the scientific literature by investigating the
possible relationships between temperament and psychological well-being,
specifically character strengths and resilience. The study was based on the
assumption that positive emotionality and psychological well-being may have
biological roots, just as psychopathology has been found to have biological
underpinnings.
The biologically-based construct of temperament refers to the innate and stable aspect
of an individual that impacts thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Psychological wellbeing,
for the purposes of the current study, incorporated two elements, namely
character strengths and resilience. Character strengths may be defined as positive
characteristics within individuals. Resilience refers to coping with, and perhaps even
thriving, when faced with challenging life situations.