Table 4.

Examples from the participants in character strengths, with their anonymous code number and age

Character strengths	Quotes
Creativity	I feel that I always think differently from others of my age. The way I look at things is different. I usually make some fresh and unique gadgets for the children at home (Participant 14, 45).
Curiosity	I'm interested in hearing gossip about what’s going on between my neighbours and where my relatives have travelled, or finding out what grocery they recommend and where supermarkets are offering cheaper discounts. I'm interested in all these experiences and things, sort of curious (Participant 22, 53).
Judgement and open-mindedness	I think I'm older, but much wiser than when I was younger. I've been through a lot of things and I'm not so attached and concerned about everything. Nowadays, when things come up again, I think very rationally and calmly about what to do, unlike the young people who are so whiny (Participant 17, 47).
Love of learning	I usually learn a new thing, that is, learn to dance the popular square dance to divert my attention. Recently I learnt to play new cellphone apps like Douyin and Kuaishou with my friends. I feel that I do not have time to be unhappy when learning new things (Participant 1, 48). My personality is very good, just love to study and love to work. I usually use two mobile phones to study, and all the recordings on the other mobile phone (Participant 11, 30).
Perspective	I think life is only a few decades, like a white horse passing a gap. Sooner or later, it is the same thing. The key is that you must think about it and look down on everything. This is the wisdom of survival (Participant 3, 54).
Bravery	I think I dare to face these things myself. But my body is my own business, I must be brave (Participant 3, 54).
Perseverance	My husband can feel that I am strong and persistent. Compared with others, the advantages my character brings is I can be a bit stronger against stress. (Participant 2, 67). I worked very hard in my work unit before, just want to get a promotion next year. Unexpectedly, this illness disrupted the plan (Participant 4, 32).
Honesty	I am an ordinary person, I'm just straight hearted, and then I just say what I think, that is, I am honest and sincere (Participant 1, 48).
Zest	Because I am passionate about making friends in the square dance group, now I am sick and many partners come to see me. I was encouraged when they came (Participant 10, 52).
Capacity to love and be loved	I am filial to my parents-in-law and be a good daughter-in-law. After being sick, I am very happy and feel beloved to be taken care of after a long time. I feel that my families support me and love me (Participant 1, 48).
Kindness	Then I never did anything bad. Then I felt like I was very nice. I was just being kind to others. Repay grievances with virtue and be compassionate (Participant 1, 48). I believe benevolent must be rewarded with kindness. I've always been a good person (Participant 3, 54).
Social intelligence	Every time my family came, I said I was fine and did not want them to worry (Participant 9, 65).
Teamwork	Three cobblers with their wits combined, equal Zhuge Liang the master mind-collective wisdom often proves superior (two heads are better than one) (Participant 4, 32). I used to work, and I can have a good relationship with my colleagues and subordinates (Participant 11, 30).
Fairness	Any conflicts between them can be handled fairly no matter what I say. I got this disease and I cannot do anything now (Participant 11, 30).
Leadership	I was also a small head in the unit before, and how to allocate jobs to everyone harmoniously is also a skill, and it can improve the efficiency of the entire department (Participant 12, 35). I have made it to the position of department manager in my organisation and would not have missed work had I not been ill. I had to get my people’s affairs in order before I was admitted to hospital (Participant 24, 37).
Selflessness	I feel that I am selfless. I have sacrificed my whole life, sacrificed for my family, and cooperated with national policies. I feel that our generation pays more attention to the collective and puts everyone’s interests ahead of their own. This is also written in the Eight Honors and Eight Shames (Participant 13, 60). It is proud to serve the collective people and ashamed to deviate from the people. We are proud of unity and mutual assistance, and ashamed of self-interest (Participant 16, 56).
Forgiveness and mercy	Well, I think everyone is good, but many patients are now demanding and dissatisfied with the people around them. Sometimes they lose their temper at the small mistakes of doctors and nurses. It is better to be tolerant and forgive like me (Participant 11, 30).
Modesty and humility	My family and patients still thought I was humble. I feel that my personality is simple, and I get along well with everyone (Participant 5, 52).
Prudence	I take photographs of the bags of medication that I receive infusions of and the medication that I take every day. I also keep the bill for each payment. I often talk to my doctor about my condition and I think that being discreet will give me peace of mind (Participant 23, 38).
Self-regulation	I felt that my self-discipline was meaningful, so I strengthened my exercise (Participant 8, 55).
Pragmatism	Practice brings real wealth, it speaks louder than words (Participant 3, 54). I am a pragmatic person, I don't know how to say nice things. I do not afraid and have no time to feel depressed. I do not want to worry about it. I just want to eat and drink and do my work. I do not want anything else (Participant 2, 67).
Appreciation of beauty and excellence	I was reading a novel about the philosophy of life recently. I will read this book after treatment. I feel comfortable appreciating these beautiful things. I also appreciate the natural environment and feel better (Participant 12, 35).
Gratitude	Everyone, whether old or young, should know how to be grateful (Participant 1, 48). I think the nurses here have given me a lot of help, and the doctors respect my ideas and help me with treatment. I am very grateful to them. The services in the hospital are very good, so I feel very good (Participant 3, 54). I feel that the doctors, nurses and family members are very concerned about me. Everyone has a very good attitude. It is not easy for everyone to work and live. I have a lot of spiritual support. I am very grateful (Participant 11, 30).
Hope	My family is pampering me now, which is pretty good. My husband said that I have been optimistic in the past years. Well, I just want to be stronger anyway, everything will definitely get better (Participant 2, 67).
Humour	But sometimes when I chat with patients in the department, no matter what I say, everyone is very happy. It feels like I am everyone’s pistachio. But I think I am more cute than humorous (Participant 5, 52).
Religiousness and spirituality	Just to get better soon, and live a few more years, I have been chanting and believing in Buddha. My child also said that I had changed but felt that my mentality was much better and calmer after relying on faith and religion (Participant 7, 65).