title: Measuring the character strength of wisdom.
abstract: This study examined the psychosocial correlates and psychometric properties of the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS). Seventy-three men and 98 women ranging in age from 17-92 years (Mean age = 42.77) completed an expanded, 40-item version of the SAWS, the Loyola Generativity Scale, and the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. A new definition of wisdom is provided which is operationalized with the SAWS. Results indicated that the SAWS has excellent reliability (test-retest = .838; Cronbach's Alpha = .904). Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor analyses confirmed the five hypothesized dimensions of wisdom and the total SAWS score correlated in predicted directions with generativity (r(169) = .448; p < .01) and attachment avoidance (r(169) = -.239, p < .01) demonstrating construct validity.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Langara College, Vancouver, BC, Canada. jwebster@langara.bc.ca
authors.forename: Jeffrey Dean
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Webster
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004644:Emotions; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic