Sadra Medical Journal

The Effectiveness of Training Character Strengths and Virtues Based on Seligman’s Theory on Innovative Behaviors and Effective Teaching of Primary School Teachers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Zahra Ghaderi 1
Ilnaz Sajjadian 2
Mohammad Ali Nadi 3

1 Department of Educational Psychology, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Educational Sciences, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2025.102411.1523
Abstract
Introduction: Teachers’ innovative behaviors and effective teaching can facilitate the student learning process by shaping an engaging educational environment. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of training character strengths and virtues based on Seligman’s theory on the innovative behaviors and effective teaching of primary school teachers.
Methods: This applied, quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest control group design with a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of primary school teachers in Isfahan, Iran, during the 2020-2021 academic year. Using purposive sampling, 30 primary school teachers were selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group (15 teachers per group). The teachers in the experimental group received training in character strengths and virtues based on Seligman’s theory over fourteen weeks, in fourteen 90-minute sessions. The administered questionnaires were the Innovative Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ) and the Effective Teaching Questionnaire (ETQ). The data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) via SPSS software, version 23.
Results: The results indicated that training in character strengths and virtues based on Seligman’s theory had a significant effect on primary school teachers’ innovative behaviors (F=57.75, Eta=0.67, P<0.001) and effective teaching (F=33.20, Eta=0.54, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, training in character strengths and virtues based on Seligman’s theory—by fostering a positive outlook on life, teaching optimism, hope for the future, commitment, and meaning-seeking—could serve as an efficient method for enhancing innovative behaviors and effective teaching in primary school teachers.

Keywords

Personality
Seligman’s Theory
Theory of Mind
Behavior
Teaching
Education
School Teachers
Students
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 13, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 861-872

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