Background. Did the COVID-19 pandemic promote character growth? Studies using sequential samples suggested that collective life events can result in character growth, but their conclusions have been questioned based on methodological problems.
Hypotheses/Research Questions. This study examined character growth during the COVID-19 pandemic using three approaches (perceived changes in oneself and a closer other, and longitudinal analyses of changes). Additionally, it investigated the relationships between character strengths assessed before the pandemic and wellbeing, compliance with regulations, and voluntary engagement during the pandemic.
Sample Characteristics, Sample Size, and Design. German-speaking participants (N = 366, 76.5% female, mean age: 45.33 years) completed an assessment of character strengths up to 1.5 years before the COVID-19 pandemic and reported on perceived changes in character strengths, wellbeing, compliance, and engagement during the crisis associated with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic during spring 2020.
Results. Results show that (a) perceived changes were reported for most character strengths in both oneself and close others, with the strongest effects found for gratitude and appreciation of beauty and excellence. However, (b) longitudinal increases were only observed in humility and prudence. Character strengths assessed before the crisis showed meaningful relationships with (c) wellbeing during the crisis. Additionally, character strengths assessed before the crisis predicted (d) compliance with government regulations and recommendations (strengths of judgment, perseverance, humility, and prudence) and (e) voluntary engagement (strengths of curiosity, bravery, zest, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and hope).
Scientific Contribution. We conclude that measured character growth was smaller than the perceived changes and that retrospective or post-event assessments do not allow for drawing reliable conclusions about character growth following major life events, since they only mildly converge with longitudinal changes. However, character strengths longitudinally predicted positive experiences and behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting their relevance in times of crisis.