Coragem: Um novo tópico da psicologia positiva

Abstract

Courage is a construct that must be included within the field of Positive Psychology. After a brief literature review, results of an empirical work with 427 subjects (162 juveniles, 150 adults, 115 elderly). The content analysis of the questions allowed the identification of categories and subcategories of the three questions: concept of courage, attitudes/courageous actions, reasons for the lack of courage. Furthermore, the results of the three closed questions about those most courageous: men or women, youngsters, adults or elderly, religious people or non-religious. Answers do not allow definitive conclusions concerning gender and age, but indicate religious people as being more courageous. It is concluded that more education/promotion of this value/virtue is important both at personal and community level.