Character strengths and mental health as complex systems: a network analysis to identify bridge strengths

Abstract The network approach poses an alternative focus to understand psychological constructs as emerging from mutual interactions among indicators. Network psychometrics has been applied psychopathology unravel the connections between symptoms, but it can also be study of well-being. role character strengths in mental health is at forefront research attention. Previous findings suggest that heart are more predictive than mind strengths. Nevertheless, researchers have rarely this context. present examines, approach, and health. Building upon dual-factor model health, positive (i.e., happiness life satisfaction) negative indicators depression) were included assessment construct. A sample 597 Spanish undergraduates ( M = 23.52; SD 5.25; 75.6% females) completed cross-sectional self-report measures. analysis was used estimate a composed two communities: We centrality calculate importance each node bridge examine communities. results indicated love, zest, hope, gratitude reported highest strength centrality, suggesting they played intermediary activating deactivating components Adopting explore help design focused intervention strategies psychology.