مهسا محمودی

Objective: Previous research has shown that health engagement accounts for a substantial variance in positive attitudes about the COVID-19 vaccine in public. However, these studies are hardly able to explain intrapersonal characteristics. Thus, we examined the moderating effect of four character strengths (kindness, critical thinking, fairness, and prudence) in the relation between health engagement and positive attitudes to the COVID-19 vaccine.Method: The population consisted of all university students living in Mashhad. A sample of 600 individuals was recruited through convenience sampling. The participants completed a battery of questionnaires including a health engagement questionnaire, Values in Action-Inventory of Strengths, and attitudes towards vaccination questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic. A hierarchical regression model and slope analysis were used to examine the moderation effect.Results: The findings indicated a positive and significant correlation between health engagement and a positive attitude towards vaccination (r=.23; p<.01). The character strengths were significantly and positively associated with health engagement (r=.18; p<.01), and a positive attitude toward vaccination (r=.30; p<.01). Moreover, the moderating effect of character strengths on the relationship between health engagement and a positive attitude towards vaccination was significant (t=-4.08; p<.001).Conclusion: Therefore, the character strengths could moderate the effect of health engagement on a positive attitude towards vaccination. It can be concluded that character strengths have a moderating effect on making health-related decisions in stressful conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.