IDENTIFICATION OF CULTURE SPECIFIC VALUES AND POSITIVE EMOTIONS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

This research is an indigenous inquiry for identification of culture-specific values and positive emotions among school children. Cultural values and positive emotions are essential for promoting psychological well-being. They are significant for developing effective interventions to prevent developmental issues and promotion of positive institutional environment. In this qualitative survey responses of 150 school children (boys=80, girls=70) of aged 9-12 years (M=10.86, SD=0.79) and 50 primary school teachers (men=12, women=38) were recorded for the identification of culture specific values and positive emotions. The participants were recruited using purposive sampling from two public schools of Lahore. Questionnaire on Culture Specific Values and Positive Emotions (students’ and teachers’ version) with open-ended questions were used for data collection. The content analysis of data yielded significant positive self-traits including self-awareness, resilience, hard work, joyfulness and sharing of thoughts and physical objects. Gratitude, altruism and respect were identified as prominent moral values. Building relationships, social intelligence and self-regulation came out as major themes. The study implies for the policy makers that understanding culture-specific values and positive emotions is a vital step towards shaping a peaceful and tolerant society as well as for promoting global harmony and intercultural dialogue.