Journal of

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural relationships of personality virtues, authentic personality and Personal Growth Initiative with wisdom acquisition in students. For this purpose, in a hypothetical structural model plan, which represented a network of direct and indirect relationships between personality virtues, authentic personality ,Personal Growth Initiative and  wisdom acquisition, 200 students (101 boys and 99 girls) of the University of Isfahan were selected by accessible sampling method. They were evaluated with Values in action inventory of strengths (VIA-72), Authenticity Scale (Wood et al., 2008) Personal Growth Initiative Scale (Robitschek, 1998), and Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (Ardelt, 2003). Structural equation modeling indicated that there was a positive and significant relationship between the components of personality virtue and Character Strengths; Authentic Personality; Personal Growth Initiative ;and the amount of wisdom in students .Furthermore, the findings indicated that there was a positive relationship among the components of personality virtues, authentic personality and personal growth initiative. The findings supported the appropriateness of the hypothetical structure of the variables. In addition to practical implications, the findings provided a useful framework for identifying the components affecting the process of wisdom growth and acquisition in students.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate how Iranian experts and adolescents define the 24 character strengths. With this aim in mind, through on purpose method of sampling, semi-structured interviews about definitions of the 24 character strengths were conducted with ten specialists (including psychologists, counselors, and teachers). Furthermore, the opinions of two gender-segregated groups of nine grade students about character strengths’ definitions were discussed in focus groups for girls (N= 7) and for boys (N= 6). Students were selected based on their availability at the time of research and their willingness to take part in discussion groups. Data were analyzed using content analysis and directive approach. Results showed that there was conformity with Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) definitions and Iranian experts-adolescents’ definitions in twelve character strengths and also there were some differences in definitions of other character strengths (e.g., bravery, zest, and honesty). These similarities and differences were discussed. Based on the findings of this research, it can be claimed that there is almost compliance between definitions of the 24 character strengths in Iranian society and the definitions of the character strengths and virtues classification and this classification can be used in research related to this topic.