VIA Character Strengths

Introduction to VIA Character Strengths

The VIA Classification of Character Strengths is a comprehensive framework developed by psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. As a foundational component of positive psychology, this classification identifies 24 character strengths that contribute to human flourishing and well-being. These strengths are considered universal across cultures, representing positive traits that individuals possess to varying degrees.

Character strengths differ from talents or abilities. They are moral qualities that can be cultivated and developed throughout life. Understanding your character strengths can enable you to leverage your natural positive qualities, enhance relationships, increase overall well-being, and achieve greater life satisfaction.

The VIA (Values in Action) Survey is a scientifically validated assessment that helps individuals identify their unique profile of character strengths. By recognizing and intentionally using these strengths, people can unlock their potential for growth and happiness.

The Six Virtues and 24 Character Strengths

The VIA classification organizes the 24 character strengths under six core virtues that have been recognized across cultures and throughout history:

1. Wisdom and Knowledge

Cognitive strengths that involve the acquisition and use of knowledge.

Creativity: Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things; includes artistic achievement but extends far beyond artistic expression.
Curiosity: Taking interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploration and investigation.
Judgment: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one's mind in light of evidence; weighing all evidence fairly.
Love of Learning: Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether independently or formally; extending beyond curiosity to describe the tendency to systematically add to one's knowledge.
Perspective: Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself and to other people; the "wisdom" strength.

2. Courage

Emotional strengths that involve exercising will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, either external or internal.

Bravery: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is right even if there is opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular.
Perseverance: Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of action in spite of obstacles; "getting it out the door"; taking pleasure in completing tasks.
Honesty: Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretense; taking responsibility for one's feelings and actions.
Zest: Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or half-heartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated.

3. Humanity

Interpersonal strengths that involve tending and befriending others.

Love: Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated; being close to people.
Kindness: Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.
Social Intelligence: Being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick.

4. Justice

Civic strengths that underlie healthy community life.

Fairness: Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting personal feelings bias decisions about others; giving everyone a fair chance.
Leadership: Encouraging a group to get things done and simultaneously maintaining good relations within the group; organizing activities and seeing that they happen.
Teamwork: Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one's share.

5. Temperance

Strengths that protect against excess.

Forgiveness: Forgiving those who have done wrong; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful.
Humility: Letting one's accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is.
Prudence: Being careful about one's choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted.
Self-regulation: Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one's appetites and emotions.

6. Transcendence

Strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning.

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence: Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.
Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.
Hope: Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it; believing that a good future is something that can be brought about.
Humor: Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side; making (not necessarily telling) jokes.
Spirituality: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape conduct and provide comfort.

Benefits of Understanding Your Character Strengths

Enhanced Self-Awareness

Understanding your character strengths helps you recognize your natural talents, guiding career choices, relationships, and personal development efforts in the right direction.

Greater Well-being

Research confirms that using signature strengths in new ways increases happiness and decreases depression for months afterward. The strengths-based approach has significant mental health benefits.

Improved Performance

People who use their signature strengths at work are more engaged, productive, and efficient. They also experience greater job satisfaction and are less likely to experience burnout.

Better Relationships

Understanding both your own strengths and those of others improves communication, reduces conflict, and helps build stronger, more positive connections with family, friends, and colleagues.

Increased Resilience

During difficult times, being aware of your character strengths helps you cope with adversity, recover from setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook even in challenging circumstances.

Better Goal Achievement

Aligning your goals with your character strengths makes them easier to achieve because you're working with your natural tendencies rather than against them.

How to Identify Your Character Strengths

The VIA Institute on Character offers a scientifically validated free assessment called the VIA Survey. This survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and measures your 24 character strengths, ranking them from strongest to weakest based on your responses. Your top five to seven strengths are considered your "signature strengths"the most essential to who you are.

Another effective approach is through personal reflection and observation:

Notice energy levels: Which activities make you feel most alive and engaged? When do you feel energized rather than drained?
Pay attention to compliments: What do others appreciate about you? What comes naturally to you that others might find challenging?
Consider effortless activities: What can you do without much effort that would require more concentration for others?
Reflect on pride moments: When have you felt most proud of yourself or what you've accomplished?
Analyze flow experiences: When have you been so engrossed in an activity that you lost track of time?

Applying Character Strengths in Daily Life

Once you've identified your signature strengths, the next step is to intentionally use them in new ways. Research by Seligman and colleagues demonstrated that people who used their top strengths in new and different ways for one week experienced increased happiness and decreased depression for up to six months afterward.

Here are effective strategies for applying your character strengths in everyday life:

Use a strength in a new way: Each day, choose one of your signature strengths and use it in a context or manner you haven't before.
Practice strength spotting: Look for opportunities to notice and appreciate others' character strengths in your daily interactions and express your appreciation.
Strategic partnerships: Collaborate with people who have complementary strengths to achieve shared goals more effectively.
Create supportive environments: Design routines, habits, and physical environments that naturally allow you to use your signature strengths regularly.
Develop underused strengths: While focusing on your signature strengths is beneficial, deliberately cultivating those further down your list can also lead to personal growth.
Apply strengths at work: Find specific ways to incorporate your top strengths into your job tasks, projects, and work relationships.
Strengthen relationships: Consider how you can apply your character strengths to improve connections with family members, friends, and colleagues.

Strengths Balance and Personal Growth

While it's important to focus on your signature strengths, overusing even your greatest strengths can sometimes become counterproductive. For example, too much kindness might lead to being taken advantage of, while excessive perseverance could result in pursuing unfulfilling goals.

The key is moderation and contextual awareness. Research suggests that the most fulfilled individuals not only use their signature strengths but also develop a balanced portfolio that includes some lesser strengths when appropriate. This flexibility allows for adaptability across different life situations.

Additionally, consider how your strengths interact to create unique combinations. For example, a person with both humor and kindness might use gentle teasing to build connections, while someone with creativity and perseverance might approach problems with innovative solutions and the determination to implement them.

Conclusion

The VIA Classification of Character Strengths offers a powerful framework for understanding human virtue and personal excellence. By identifying and intentionally using your character strengths, you can create a more meaningful life, build stronger relationships, achieve goals more effectively, and increase overall well-being.

All 24 strengths have value, and while focusing on your signature strengths yields significant benefits, developing your lesser strengths can also contribute to personal growth and expanded possibilities. The journey of character strength exploration is ongoing, allowing us to continue growing, contributing meaningfully to others, and experiencing deeper fulfillment throughout life.

As you move forward, consider how you might intentionally apply your own character strengths in new ways each day, supporting both your own well-being and contributing positively to the world around you.

Reference Files For VIA Character Strengths

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