Character Strengths
“We must remember that intelligence is not enough, intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King Jnr.
Character strengths are positive traits - capacities for thinking, feeling, and behaving in ways that benefit you and others. The VIA Classification of Character Strengths is comprised of 24 character strengths that fall under 6 broad virtue categories.
THE 6 VIRTUES
Strengths that help you build your knowledge
Creativity, Curiosity, Open-Mindedness,
Love of Learning, Perspective
Strengths that help you find balance and manage bad behaviours
Forgiveness, Modesty, Prudence,
Self-Control
Strengths that help you connect outside yourself
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Gratitude, Hope, Humour, Spirituality
Click on each virtue for more information and resources.
The Research behind Character Strengths.
Researchers Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson led a large team of social scientists who worked together to identify a comprehensive set of virtues and character strengths that have been valued throughout history, and across cultures and religions. At the conclusion of this three-year process, they published ‘Character Strengths and Virtues’ (2004), which identified six virtues and 24 character strengths that appear to be universal, labelling these the ‘Values in Action Classification of Character Strengths.’
The ‘virtues’ can be described as the universal, core characteristics and the ‘strengths’ are specific routes through which the virtues can be displayed. These virtues are age-old and have been discussed by philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle and Socrates. It’s important to understand that your character strengths are not who you are, but they are what you currently do. Although some character strengths may seem more natural for individuals to use, all 24 do exist within each and every one of us and can be drawn upon to action.
Although your character strengths are relatively stable, changes in life circumstances alter the opportunities to action particular strengths and intentional activity will also likely result in some significant changes in your character strengths ranking. It is possible to nurture particular strengths by focusing on a character strength and endeavouring to action it on a more regular basis. However, it is also important to note that there is a potential ‘shadow side’ to character strengths. In particular, individuals must be aware of overusing or misusing their signature (top) character strengths and underusing their supporting strengths. It’s important to note that the use of our top character strengths is meant to be energising and easy for us to implement.
Adults: Get to know your signature strengths by taking the free survey from the VIA Institute.
