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The structure of virtue: An empirical investigation of the dimensionality of the virtues in action inventory of strengths
Abstract
Research on virtues and character strengths has increased over the past decade. The virtues in action classification (VIA; Peterson & Seligman, 2004) is a comprehensive catalogue of 24 strengths organized under six broad-band virtues purported to be ubiquitous across time and culture. This study uses multiple criteria to determine the dimensionality of the VIA character strengths in an adult sample. Our results revealed that a three- or four-dimensional model best fit the data. We integrate our results with research from personality and positive psychology.
... The Values in Action (VIA) classification comprised 24 character strengths: social intelligence, perspective, creativity, bravery, humor, leadership, fairness, kindness, teamwork, modesty, forgiveness, self-regulation, prudence, persistence, open-mindedness, honesty, spirituality, gratitude, zest, hope, love, love of learning, curiosity, and appreciation of beauty and excellence. Several studies on the relationships among these 24 character strengths have shown that five-factorial solutions best fit the data (e.g., Ruch et al., 2010;Shryack et al., 2010;Littman-Ovadia and Lavy, 2012;Ruch et al., 2014). Higherorder strength factors have been generally labeled as follows: ...
... The five-component solution accounted for 68.69% of the variance in the data (see Table 2). In line with previous studies Park and Peterson, 2006;Ruch et al., 2010;Shryack et al., 2010;Littman-Ovadia and Lavy, 2012;Azañedo et al., 2014), we labeled our five factors Fr, frequency or number of participants in each group. %, percentage of participants in each group. ...
... The character strengths included in our five factors were the same as those obtained by Azañedo et al. (2014) and loaded the same way. However, our five components were not identical to the five factors obtained by the other reports cited (i.e., Peterson and Seligman, 2004;Park and Peterson, 2006;Ruch et al., 2010;Shryack et al., 2010;Littman-Ovadia and Lavy, 2012). Thus, most of the groups of character strengths that composed each factor were similar to those of the previous models, but not exactly the same. ...
The increasing value of character strengths in the prediction of well-being and psychopathology, after the effects of functional social support and sociodemographic variables are accounted for, is examined. Participants were 1494 Spanish-speaking students between the ages of 18 and 68 (43.3% men and 56.7% women) who completed measures of character strengths, functional social support, subjective well-being, psychological well-being, and symptoms of psychopathology. Functional social support had predictive value in explaining the variability of each component of well-being and psychopathology. Regarding character strengths, theological strengths had the greatest predictive power for life satisfaction (β = 0.41), positive affect (β = 0.49), affect balance (β = 0.45), purpose in life (β = 0.60), self-acceptance (β = 0.50), environmental mastery (β = 0.47), and positive relations with others (β = 0.25). Emotional strengths made the strongest contribution to the variance explained (β = 0.41) of autonomy, and intellectual strengths were the strongest predictive variable for personal growth (β = 0.39). Strengths of restraint had the greatest predictive power for the global severity index of psychopathology (β = –0.27). Functional social support and character strengths have strong links to mental health. Positive interventions to develop these variables could contribute to enhance well-being and prevent psychological distress.
... Ni en Estados Unidos (e. g., McGrath, 2014;Shryack, Steger, Krueger & Kallie, 2010) ni en otras culturas (e. g., Cosentino, 2011;Duan et al., 2012;Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2012;Ruch et al., 2010) se ha encontrado soporte empírico del agrupamiento clasificatorio de las 24 fortalezas del carácter en 6 virtudes, tal como lo han propuesto Peterson y Seligman. ...
... En dichos análisis, inclusive, se incluyeron solo 19 de las 24 fortalezas (Macdonald et al., 2008). Otros estudios obtuvieron cinco, cuatro y tres factores, pero en ningún caso se correspondían con la clasificación original (Ruch et al., 2010;Shryack et al., 2010). Esta discrepancia entre los datos y el modelo teórico también se observa en los estudios de McGrath (2014), quien estudió el modelo a nivel no solo de la escala sino también del ítem, basándose en la respuesta de un grupo muy amplio de participantes. ...
... Sin embargo, la falta de reproducción de la estructura de la clasificación original via es más la regla que la excepción, tal como lo indican los estudios sobre la estructura factorial llevados a cabo en diferentes partes del mundo. Similarmente a los hallazgos de esta investigación, una organización de las fortalezas del carácter en tres dimensiones fue hallada en una muestra de Estados Unidos por Shryack et al. (2010), a las cuales llamaron fortalezas intelectual, interpersonal y templanza; por Duan et al. (2012), quienes hallaron las virtudes vitalidad, interpersonal y cautela con una muestra de China; y por Cosentino (2011), realizadas con el IVyF (versión extensa del inventario presentado en este trabajo), quien halló las virtudes progresar, fraternizar y moderarse en una muestra de Argentina, reteniendo solo la mitad de las fortalezas de la clasificación via. En estas tres investigaciones culturalmente diferentes, independientes y realizadas por investigadores locales parece surgir la existencia de tres grupos de fortalezas del carácter que se relacionan a (1) lo social, (2) lo individual y (3) la armonía de lo individual con lo social. ...
El estudio de las virtudes y fortalezas del carácter es uno de los temas más importantes dentro de la psicología positiva. Peterson y Seligman (2004) determinaron que 24 fortalezas del carácter estaban vinculadas a 6 virtudes y llamaron via a esa clasificación. Nuestro trabajo está incluido en la investigación sobre esa clasificación. Se desarrolló un instrumento de medición de 24 ítems de autopuntuación global directa para evaluar las 24 fortalezas del carácter de la clasificación de Peterson y Seligman (2004). Este instrumento es la versión corta del IVyF. Se analizaron las características psicométricas de este instrumento llamado IVyF abreviado (IVyFabre; Strength of Character Inventory Brief Form, sci-bf, en inglés) con muestras que incluyeron mujeres y hombres. Los resultados mostraron que el IVyFabre tiene tanto adecuada confiabilidad de tipo test-retest y validez con un criterio externo (observadores), como las esperadas asociaciones con los rasgos de personalidad del Big Five, satisfacción con la vida y deseabilidad social. Análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios, realizados con muestras diferentes, respaldan que la estructura factorial de las fortalezas en población argentina está compuesta por tres factores que representan las características vinculadas a lo social (factor interpersonal), lo individual (factor empuje/inteligencia) y la armonía de lo individual con lo social (factor restricción). Este resultado es consistente con estudios previos realizados por investigadores locales de Argentina, Estados Unidos y China.
Palabras clave: psicología positiva, virtud, fortalezas del carácter, construcción de test, estructura factorial.
... En convergencia, Castro Solano y Cosentino (2018) identificaron inductivamente un modelo de tres factores en las puntuaciones de su instrumento IVyFabre y verificaron la estructura con un análisis factorial confirmatorio; este modelo es similar al de Cosentino (2011), pero está formado por 16 fortalezas organizadas en los factores: empuje/inteligencia (curiosidad, creatividad, valentía, perspectiva, liderazgo, y vitalidad), restricción (prudencia, apertura mental y humildad/modestia) e interpersonal (clemencia y misericordia, bondad, amor, esperanza, imparcialidad, integridad y ciudadanía). Por tanto, los dos estudios referidos y otros más (e.g., Shryack et al., 2010) sugieren la existencia de tres grupos de fortalezas del carácter: individuales, sociales y socioindividuales (Castro Solano & Cosentino, 2018). Para realizar la gráfica de la estructura factorial se utilizó el software CorelDRAW Graphics Suite (Versión X8; Corel Corporation, 2016) (ver Figura 2). ...
... A su vez, estructuras de cinco factores fueron halladas en Argentina , Australia , Estados Unidos (McGrath, 2014b;Peterson et al., 2008), España Merino et al., 2020), Israel (Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2012a;Weber et al., 2013), India (Choubisa & Singh, 2011;Singh & Choubisa, 2010) y en población germano parlante (Güsewell & Ruch, 2012;Höfer et al., 2019;Martínez-Martí & Ruch, 2017;Ruch et al., 2010). Por otro lado, se encontraron estructuras tetrafactoriales en: Australia (Haridas et al., 2017;Macdonald et al., 2008), Corea del Sur (Lim, 2015), Croacia (Brdar & Kashdan, 2010), Emiratos Árabes Unidos , España , Estados Unidos (Park & Peterson, 2006b;Shryack et al., 2010), India , Italia (Casali et al., 2020), Israel Shoshani, 2019;, Pakistán (Anjum & Amjad, 2020), Polonia (Najderska & Cieciuch, 2018), Portugal , . Por su parte, Bacon (2005) planteó que las fortalezas del carácter pueden agruparse en: fortalezas focalizadas, donde se incluye la creatividad, persistencia, curiosidad, entre otras; y fortalezas de balance, que incluye a la imparcialidad, bondad, etc. Finalmente, estructuras de un factor se reportaron en Australia , Brasil Seibel et al., 2015) e India Choubisa & Singh, 2011). ...
... Los hallazgos de los tres factores de las fortalezas del carácter son concordantes con los resultados de Argentina (Castro Solano & Cosentino, 2018), Brasil , China , Estados Unidos (Berger & McGrath, 2019;Park et al., 2017;Shryack et al., 2010), Francia y Australia Por otro lado, la evidencia hallada en esta tesis difiere de: (a) las estructuras de seis factores de Brasil , Estados Unidos y Gran Bretaña (Furnham & Lester, 2012), México y Suiza ; (b) las estructuras de cinco factores de Argentina , Australia , Estados Unidos (McGrath, 2014b;Peterson et al., 2008), España Merino et al., 2020), Israel (Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2012aWeber et al., 2013), India (Choubisa & Singh, 2011;Singh & Choubisa, 2010) y en población germano parlante (Güsewell & Ruch, 2012;Höfer et al., 2019;Martínez-Martí & Ruch, 2017;Ruch et al., 2010); (c) los cuatro factores identificados en Australia (Haridas et al., 2017;Macdonald et al., 2008), Corea del Sur (Lim, 2015), Croacia (Brdar & Kashdan, 2010), Emiratos Árabes Unidos , España , Estados Unidos (Park & Peterson, 2006b;Shryack et al., 2010), India , Italia (Casali et al., 2020), Israel Shoshani, 2019;, Pakistán (Anjum & Amjad, 2020), Polonia (Najderska & Cieciuch, 2018), ...
Good character is a principal area in Positive Psychology. The current thesis assesses character strengths with mixed method: quantitative though factor analysis and qualitative using content analysis. Main purpose is evaluate and analyze the character strengths factors in participants from Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay to identify whether international findings are replicated; and verify replication in each country independently. A non probabilistic intentional sample was used: 854 university students (273 Ecuadorians, 277 Peruvians and 304 Paraguayan). Participants completed Inventario de Virtudes y Fortalezas del Carácter IVyF (Cosentino & Castro Solano, 2012) and Protocolo de Cualidades Positivas (Castro Solano & Cosentino, 2013). Main results show three character strengths factors: moderation, progress and fraternity. Secondly, this three factor model is the most parsimonious and replicable despite some differences. Finally, dimensional structure has intercultural differences because each countries have specific relations. Main conclusion show three factors of character strengths and intercultural differences in dimensional structure of each country. Data has limitations: used sample could not be an average citizen of each culture and countries were considered as national culture. Future studies should research intracultural differences in character strengths, identify causes of intercultural differences in each population and analyze character strengths in others Latin-American countries.
... Whereas Peterson and Seligman's (2004) original classification of character strengths to virtues is based on theoretical considerations, subsequent studies on individual differences in character have used techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) or exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to investigate the empirical (factor-analytical) structure of the VIA character trait space and to identify higher-level dimensions (i.e., factors or principal components) on which to aggregate the 24 character strengths (e.g., Anjum & Amjad, 2019;Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Macdonald et al., 2008;McGrath, 2015;Peterson et al., 2008;Ruch et al., 2010;Shryack et al., 2010;Singh & Choubisa, 2010). However, these studies have not led to a consensus regarding the most useful global level(s) of abstraction on which to aggregate the 24 VIA character strengths. ...
... Most of these studies employed exploratory factor-analytical techniques (e.g., PCA or EFA) to identify a single most useful or plausible global level in the solutions-hierarchy on which to aggregate the variance contained in the 24 character strengths. The number of factors or components that were retained varied widely across these studies: one (Noronha et al., 2015;Seibel et al., 2015;Singh & Choubisa, 2009), three (Castro Solano & Cosentino, 2018;Duan et al., 2012;McGrath, 2015;McGrath & Wallace, 2019;Redfern et al., 2014;Shryack et al., 2010), four (Anjum & Amjad, 2019;Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Macdonald et al., 2008;Najderska & Cieciuch, 2018;Petkari & Ortiz-Tallo, 2018;Xie, 2015), or five (Azañedo et al., 2014;H€ ofer et al., 2019;Littman-Ovadia, 2015;Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2012;McGrath, 2014McGrath, , 2015Peterson et al., 2008;Peterson & Seligman, 2004;Ruch et al., 2010;Singh & Choubisa, 2010). 6 According to Ng et al. (2017), five-dimensional solutions appear to be most common, whereas other authors have highlighted a three-dimensional solution comprising the dimensions caring (interpersonal strengths), inquisitiveness (intellectual strengths), and self-control (intrapersonal strengths) as most reproducible across different VIA instruments, samples, and analytical strategies (McGrath, 2015;McGrath et al., 2018;McGrath & Wallace, 2019). ...
... Whereas several studies showed that their findings were robust to different extraction methods (e.g., PCA or principal axis factoring) and rotation methods (i.e., orthogonal or oblique) (McGrath, 2014(McGrath, , 2015Redfern et al., 2014;Shryack et al., 2010), different factor retention criteria might have contributed to the inconsistency of results. Some studies applied the Kaiser criterion (i.e., retaining factors that have an eigenvalue greater than one), which can result in the retention of too many factors or components (Zwick & Velicer, 1986). ...
The Values in Action (VIA) framework maps 24 character strengths onto six more abstract virtues through a theoretical classification. However, compared to other individual difference constructs, there is little consensus about the factor-analytic structure of the VIA trait space. Applying Horn’s parallel analysis, Goldberg’s Bass-ackwards approach, and cross-country congruency analysis, we scrutinize the factor-analytic solutions-hierarchy of the 24 VIA strengths with the aim to identify one or more useful global levels of abstraction (akin to the Big Five, HEXACO/Big Six, or personality metatraits). We assessed the 24 character strengths with the psychometrically refined IPIP-VIA-R inventory in two large and heterogeneous samples from Germany and the UK (total N ≈ 2,000). Results suggested that three global dimensions suffice to capture the essence of character strengths: Level III recovered more than 50% of the total variation of the 24 character strengths in well-interpretable, global/general, cross-culturally replicable dimensions. We provisionally labeled them positivity, dependability, and mastery. Their superordinate Level-II-dimensions were reminiscent of the “Big Two” personality metatraits Dynamism and Social Self-Regulation. Our results advance the understanding of the VIA character trait space and may serve as a basis for developing scales to assess these global dimensions.
... Factor structure of the VIA-240 has been explored in studies across different cultures (for example Dahlsgaard 2005;McGrath 2014McGrath , 2015bPark et al. 2006;Peterson et al. 2008;Ruch et al. 2010;Shryack et al. 2010;Singh and Choubisa 2010;Van Eeden et al. 2008). None of these studies confirmed the initial six-factor (virtue) structure proposed by Peterson and Seligman (2004). ...
... Most of the studies have provided evidence for 3-5 factor structures using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and different factor retention strategies (such as Kaiser criterion, parallel analysis, hierarchical structuring, multiple average partial correlation and theoretical reasoning). Studies within the US population (such as Shryack et al. 2010 andPeterson et al. 2008) produced inconsistent findings on factor structures. For example, Shryack et al. (2010) found three factors named vitality, interpersonal and cautiousness whereas Peterson et al. (2008) found evidence of five factors named interpersonal, fortitude, cognitive, temperance and transcendence. ...
... Studies within the US population (such as Shryack et al. 2010 andPeterson et al. 2008) produced inconsistent findings on factor structures. For example, Shryack et al. (2010) found three factors named vitality, interpersonal and cautiousness whereas Peterson et al. (2008) found evidence of five factors named interpersonal, fortitude, cognitive, temperance and transcendence. Similarly, among collectivist Asian cultures, Duan et al. (2012) found evidence of three factors in Chinese population named as interpersonal, vitality and cautiousness whereas Singh and Choubisa (2010) reported five factors named interpersonal, intellectual, self-assurance, civic and theological in Indian sample. ...
Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) has been established as a key measure for assessment of character strengths and virtues. However its use in multiple measure studies is problematic due to its length. The present study developed a short form of the VIA, VIA-72-Urdu, in Pakistani context and conducted its first validation. Items in short form were retained on the basis of high factor loadings to respective strengths and finalized after verification of cultural validity. The new measure VIA-72-Urdu yielded acceptable reliabilities for research purpose (r values ranging from .64 to .78). Strengths correlated positively with positive affect (median r = .22) and life satisfaction (median r = .20) and negatively with negative affect (median r = −.19). Four factors were derived after exploratory factor analysis and factor structure invariance with long form was determined through multi group confirmatory factor analysis. All virtue factors were positively related with extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience and negatively related with neuroticism. Agreeableness was only negatively related with virtue factor of cognitive strengths (median absolute r between virtues and big five traits = .37). The new measure, VIA-72-Urdu provides basis for validation of the same in other languages. The VIA-72 will facilitate future research and assessment on character strengths and virtues.
... However, studies indicated that this English questionnaire had difficulty in converting factor structures among various cultures and countries. Thus, the model relating six higher-order virtues of 24 character strengths may be inconsistent across cultures [20][21][22]. Later, studies found the three-dimensional model of character strengths as a reliable solution to character strength structure [23,24]. ...
... and self-control (e.g., "I am a highly self-disciplined person."), in diverse populations [24]. The three factors of character strength have been verified in previous studies [21,23,27]. The current 15-item TICS showed sound psychometric characteristics among westerners, easterners, community population, and medical samples. ...
Background: Suicide is a global issue among the elderly. The number of older people committing suicide is proliferating, and the elderly suicide rate is the highest among all age groups in China. The possible protective factors against suicidal ideation should be investigated for prevention and intervention efforts. The objectives of the present study are as follows: (1) to examine the psychometric properties of the three-dimensional inventory of character strengths (TICS) with a sample of older adults; (2) to investigate correlations among suicide ideation, wellbeing, and character strengths; and (3) to explore the possible protective roles of the three character strengths and wellbeing in explaining suicidal ideation among older adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising 308 older adults aged at least 50 years old from nursing homes was conducted. Four questionnaires, namely, the TICS, the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale—10 items, the Brief Inventory of Thriving, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale, were used. Exploratory structural equation modeling, intraclass correlation coefficients, partial correlations, and sets of hierarchical regressions were adopted to estimate and report the results.
Results: TICS could be used to assess the character strengths (i.e., caring, inquisitiveness, and self-control) among older adults with an acceptable goodness-of-fit (chi square = 157.30, df = 63, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.07, 90% CI = [0.06, 0.08]). Wellbeing (life satisfaction: B = −0.14, t = −2.55, p = 0.01; thriving: B = −0.52, t = −9.64, p < 0.001) and character strengths (caring: B = −0.45, t = −11.84, p < 0.001; inquisitiveness: B = −0.33, t = −7.89, p < 0.001; self-control: B = −0.45, t = − 10.83, p < 0.001) have exhibited a significant association with suicidal ideation among older adults. Moreover, character strengths have shown an independently cross-sectional relationship with suicidal ideation, explaining 65.2% of the variance of suicidal ideation after controlling for the wellbeing and demographics.
Conclusion: This study indicated that character strengths were associated with low levels of suicidal ideation. Therefore, the protective factors against suicidal ideation among older adults should be given additional attention.
... Littman-Ovadia and Lavy 2012; Park et al. 2004), they may not represent essential elements of character as pertaining to the professional realm. The transcendent qualities of forgiveness and gratitude often simultaneously reflect strengths of emotional care towards others in general life (McGrath 2014;Shryack et al. 2010), and hope is synonymous with future-mindedness associated with greater life satisfaction and meaning (Feldman & Snyder 2005). Conversely, interpersonal care in a professional context may be more concisely encapsulated by qualities in the VIA such as kindness, fairness and social intelligence, whereas workminded commitment may be better reflected by qualities such a zest and perseverance which are comparable with the character dimension of drive in an organisational setting (i.e. ...
... The present self-reported measure of purpose taps into professionals' identification with a 'good' purpose, as opposed to how their actual behaviour aligns with it, and thus the character criterion is likely to yield greater influence. Professional purpose as reflected by a volitional striving to do useful work for the betterment of society has close connotations with character virtues pertaining to humanity , sociability (Shryack et al. 2010), conscientiousness (Macdonald et al. 2008) and emotional care for others (McGrath 2015). Collectively, these dimensions of character are symbolic of civic virtues which, when valued, may direct professionals to a purpose associated with citizenship and social responsibility (see Garofalo and Geuras 2005). ...
Dimensions of character are often overlooked in professional practice at the expense of the development of technical competence and operational efficiency. Drawing on philosophical accounts of virtue ethics and positive psychology, the present work attempts to elevate the role of ‘good’ character in the professional domain. A ‘good’ professional is ideally one that exemplifies dimensions of character informed by sound judgement. A total of 2340 professionals, from five discrete professions, were profiled based on their valuation of qualities pertaining to character and judgement. Profile differences were subsequently examined in the self-reported experience of professional purpose towards a wider societal ‘good’. Analysis of covariance, controlling for stage of career, revealed that professionals valuing character reported higher professional purpose than those overweighting the importance of judgement or valuing neither character nor judgement, F(3, 2054) = 7.92, p < .001. No differences were found between the two groups valuing character, irrespective of whether judgement was valued simultaneously. This profiling analysis of entry-level and in-service professionals, based on their holistic character composition, paves the way for fresh philosophical discussion regarding what constitutes a ‘good’ professional and the interplay between character and judgement. The empirical findings may be of substantive value in helping to recognise how the dimensions of character and judgement may impact upon practitioners’ professional purpose.
... According to Solomon (1999), the virtue is an essential aspect of an individual, which provides the conceptual linkage between an individual and their society. McCullough and Snyder (2000), as cited in Shryack et al. (2010), define that the virtue is "any psychological process that enables a person to think and act so as to benefit him or her and society". Virtues are a set of moral principles universally accepted and they do not vary according to race, nationality, religion, culture or any other classification. ...
... Hart et al. (2019) divulge the availability of set of virtues by several researchers. The virtues that Shryack et al. (2010) used in their research are, namely, wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence, which were originally adapted by from Peterson and Seligman (2004). Szutta (2020) identified benevolence, honesty and justice as their virtues set. ...
It is a known fact that all organizations, other than philanthropic ones, are
concerned about increasing their financial performance. The Covid-19 pandemic
indisputably affects the organizations’ triple bottom line, especially profit. Hence, it
is essential to make plans for the post-Covid-19 pandemic world. Consequently, one
solution is to pay more attention to the increase in the level of advantageous personal
character traits among the employees. The personal character is a blend of virtues and
vices. The highest level of virtues will enrich the level of the advantageous personal
character traits. The aim of this paper was to provide a definition of the personal
character and to present an instrument for the construct of the personal character.
The importance of having a good personal character is also addressed as a part of this
study
... Since Peterson and Seligman (2004) formulated their conceptual model of character strengths and virtues, and its associated instruments (i.e., the VIA-IS and its shortened versions such as the VIA-72), a number of studies have examined the latent structure of the character strengths using scale-level exploratory methods (Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Duan et al., 2012;Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2012;McGrath, 2014;Shryack et al., 2010). Most of these studies -which aim to identify which subsets of strengths co-occur -failed to replicate the original six-virtue model. 1 Specifically, these studies identified a range of factor solutions, reflecting between three (Shryack et al., 2010) and five virtues (McGrath, 2014), and while many of the factors had a conceptual overlap across studies, there was also substantial variability in content. ...
... Since Peterson and Seligman (2004) formulated their conceptual model of character strengths and virtues, and its associated instruments (i.e., the VIA-IS and its shortened versions such as the VIA-72), a number of studies have examined the latent structure of the character strengths using scale-level exploratory methods (Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Duan et al., 2012;Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2012;McGrath, 2014;Shryack et al., 2010). Most of these studies -which aim to identify which subsets of strengths co-occur -failed to replicate the original six-virtue model. 1 Specifically, these studies identified a range of factor solutions, reflecting between three (Shryack et al., 2010) and five virtues (McGrath, 2014), and while many of the factors had a conceptual overlap across studies, there was also substantial variability in content. It has been argued that these inconsistencies may reflect methodological and cultural differences across studies (McGrath, 2014). ...
Evidence supports three principal virtues of Self-Control, Caring, and Inquisitiveness that represent socially-construed notions of desirable behaviors. In Study 1 (n = 509 adults), we demonstrate that the three-virtue structure identified in the VIA-IS also emerges in the VIA-72. In Study 2 (n = 659 adults) we examine the relationship between virtues and personality using correlations and person-centered analyses. Cloninger’s character dimensions, which capture the sociocognitive component of personality – Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness, Self-Transcendence – showed moderate overlap with the three virtues, but remained distinct in its silent and subjective transpersonal aspects that were excluded from VIA. People with positive development of all three character traits were the most virtuous. The specific virtues of a person depended on integrated profiles of both temperament and character. We conclude that virtues are expressed when habits are persistently regulated by all three character traits to the extent that they express self-transcendent goals and values.
... However, studies indicated that this English questionnaire had difficulty in converting factor structures among various cultures and countries. Thus, the model relating six higher-order virtues of 24 character strengths may be inconsistent across cultures [20][21][22]. Later, studies found the three-dimensional model of character strengths as a reliable solution to character strength structure [23,24]. ...
... and self-control (e.g., "I am a highly selfdisciplined person."), in diverse populations [24]. The three factors of character strength have been verified in previous studies [21,23,27]. The current 15-item TICS showed sound psychometric characteristics among westerners, easterners, community population, and medical samples. ...
Background:
Suicide is a global issue among the elderly. The number of older people committing suicide is proliferating, and the elderly suicide rate is the highest among all age groups in China. A better understanding of the possible protective factors against suicidal ideation is necessary to facilitate prevention and intervention efforts. The objectives of the present study are threefold. First, this study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the three-dimensional inventory of character strengths (TICS) with a sample of older adults. Second, this study intends to investigate correlations among suicide ideation, wellbeing, and character strengths. Third, the study seeks to explore the possible protective roles of the three character strengths and wellbeing in explaining suicidal ideation among older adults.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study comprising 308 older adults aged at least 50 years old from nursing homes was conducted. Four questionnaires, namely, the TICS, the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale-10 items, the Brief Inventory of Thriving, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale, were used. Exploratory structural equation modeling, intraclass correlation coefficients, partial correlations, and sets of hierarchical regressions were adopted to estimate and report the results.
Results:
TICS could be used to assess the character strengths (i.e., caring, inquisitiveness, and self-control) among older adults with an acceptable goodness-of-fit (chi square = 157.30, df = 63, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.07, 90% CI = [0.06, 0.08]). Wellbeing and character strengths exhibited a negative association with suicidal ideation among older adults. Moreover, character strengths showed an independently cross-sectional relationship with suicidal ideation, explaining 65.1% of the variance of suicidal ideation after controlling for the wellbeing and demographics.
Conclusion:
This study indicated that character strengths were associated with low levels of suicidal ideation. Therefore, the protective factors against suicidal ideation among older adults should be given additional attention.
... Therefore, we looked at the interpretation of character strength factors reported in studies on VIA character strengths in adults. Previous factor analytic studies suggested two (using ipsative data: Peterson, 2006;Ruch, Proyer, Harzer, et al., 2010), three (Duan et al., 2012;Khumalo et al., 2008;McGrath, 2015;Shryack et al., 2010), four (Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Macdonald et al., 2008;Shryack et al., 2010), or five factors (e.g., Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2011;McGrath, 2014;Peterson et al., 2008;Ruch et al., 2014;Ruch, Proyer, Harzer, et al., 2010;Singh & Choubisa, 2010). For the current study, we considered functions based on the resulting higher-order factors of these factor analyses. ...
... Therefore, we looked at the interpretation of character strength factors reported in studies on VIA character strengths in adults. Previous factor analytic studies suggested two (using ipsative data: Peterson, 2006;Ruch, Proyer, Harzer, et al., 2010), three (Duan et al., 2012;Khumalo et al., 2008;McGrath, 2015;Shryack et al., 2010), four (Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Macdonald et al., 2008;Shryack et al., 2010), or five factors (e.g., Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2011;McGrath, 2014;Peterson et al., 2008;Ruch et al., 2014;Ruch, Proyer, Harzer, et al., 2010;Singh & Choubisa, 2010). For the current study, we considered functions based on the resulting higher-order factors of these factor analyses. ...
While character strengths are expected to contribute to the ‘good life,’ they also may serve specific purposes (e.g., the strength of curiosity should support the acquisition and use of knowledge). This study explored the potential functions of character strengths from a within-person perspective. We used a literature review and qualitative and quantitative surveys to determine potential functions. This resulted in 17 distinguishable functions (e.g., ‘feeling free and independent’). We used a diary study that included N = 196 participants (84.4% women, mean age: 25.68 years) who reported their daily character strength enactments and their experiences of the functions for 14 consecutive days. Our results suggested that the enactment of character strengths was positively related to several functions. However, the character strengths also showed distinguishable patterns of relationships with the functions, which were largely in line with – but not limited to – the functions suggested in the VIA classification.
... Based on the other factor determination criteria, and low cross-loadings, the four-factor solution was found to be more interpretable than the six-factor solution. This finding is consistent with previous studies that examined the factor structure of VIA-IS which suggested a four-factor solution (Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Macdonald et al., 2008;Ruch et al., 2010;Shryack et al., 2010). However, the character strengths associated with the corresponding four virtues in this study are not similar to character strengths associated with four virtues in the previous studies. ...
... Furthermore, the differences in the loading of character strengths onto different factors may be attributed to the study sample, the study context, and the measurement tool. The previous studies were conducted in various countries to examine the factor structure of the VIA-IS in the general population (Ng et al., 2017;Shryack et al., 2010), including college students (Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Macdon-ald et al., 2008). Nevertheless, this is likely the first study to examine the factor structure of VIA-72 using a sample of individuals with MS. ...
Background: Research on character strengths in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) is
lacking. Moreover, measures of character strengths have not been validated in this population, limiting the opportunities for further investigation.
Objective: To investigate the factor structure of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths
(VIA)-72 in a sample of individuals with MS.
Methods: This quantitative descriptive study included 624 individuals with MS. The factor
structure of the VIA-72 was examined using principal component analysis. The internal
consistency reliability and validity were assessed by computing Cronbach’s alphas and correlations of the VIA-72 with other psychosocial constructs, respectively.
Findings: The principal component analysis revealed an interpretable four-factor structure of the VIA-72: intellectual and emotional strengths, temperance, transcendence, and interpersonal strengths. The factors significantly correlated with measures of quality of life, resilience, social support, depression, fatigue, and personality traits, indicating good concurrent validity. The four factors did not completely align with Peterson and Seligman's (2004) classification system.
Conclusions: The four-factor structure of the VIA-72 seems to be interpretable, valid, and
reliable. Measures like VIA-72 may help rehabilitation professionals learn more about the nature and development of character strengths among persons with MS and suggest ways to cultivate it.
Further studies are indicated to confirm the factor structures and psychometric properties of this scale in persons with MS.
Keywords: character strengths; multiple sclerosis; quality of life; rehabilitation
... W obecnym kształcie kwestionariusze do pomiaru mocnych stron, zarówno IPIP-VIA, jak i VIA-IS, są w zasadzie kwestionariuszami do pomiaru 24 zmiennych, przy czym relacje między nimi i struktura tych zmiennych jest aktu- alnie przedmiotem dyskusji (np. Brdar, Kashdan, 2010;McGrath, 2012;Peterson, Park, Pole, D'Andrea, Seligman, 2008;Ruch i in., 2010;Shryack, Steger, Krueger, Kallie, 2010). Jest to jednak temat na osobny artykuł, dlatego też ten wątek nie zo- stał tu podjęty i zaprezentowane zostały wstępne wyniki dotyczące jakości kwestio- nariusza IPIP-VIA. ...
Najderska, M., Cieciuch, J. (2013). Polska adaptacja kwestionariusza do pomiaru mocnych stron charakteru International Personality Item Pool–Values in Action (IPIP-VIA). Wyniki wstępne. Studia Psychologica, 13(1), 65-83
... Sin embargo, los estudios empíricos que mostraron un pobre ajuste de los datos al modelo teórico original 24/6 de la clasificación VIA utilizaron una metodología muy distinta de características bottomup, dando énfasis a las agrupaciones que las personas reconocían en diferentes contextos culturales (p. ej., Shryack et al., 2010). En segundo lugar, Peterson y Seligman habían señalado el carácter provisional de la clasificación VIA y afirmaban que esta clasificación podría ser cambiada, reducida o ampliada en función de los avances empíricos de la disciplina (Peterson, 2006). ...
El presente estudio tiene como objetivo establecer la validez cultural de la clasificación VIA (24 fortalezas en 6 virtudes) mediante la utilización de un enfoque mixto (ético/émico). Se intentó determinar si la clasificación VIA resultaba relevante culturalmente para poder capturar las respuestas de personas legas en ocasión de describir las características positivas de personajes protípicos admirados en un formato de respuesta libre (free listing). Participaron del estudio una muestra de 378 personas adultas de población general no consultante argentina, varones y mujeres. Los resultados señalan que las fortalezas más frecuentes fueron la integridad, la persistencia, la bondad y el amor, lo que da lugar a dos perfiles diferenciados de personajes prototípicos de características positivas. No se encontraron diferencias según sexo y edad. Los resultados sugieren que la clasificación VIA debe ser ajustada en función de las variables culturales.
... In fact, Peterson, Park, Pole, D'Andrea, and Seligman in 2008 [11] conducted a factor analysis that supported a five-factor model. Additional studies have also provided support for four-factor, three-factor, and one-factor models [12][13][14][15]. ...
Background:
The Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) operationalizes 24 character strengths that compose the six virtues proposed in Peterson and Seligman's classification theory. Though the utility of the VIA-IS has been demonstrated in the general population, its applicability to the study of psychosocial adaptation in rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities has been controversial.
Objective:
The present study was to develop a measure of rehabilitation clients' positive traits, the Adapted Inventory of Virtues and Strengths (AIVS) designed to complement the applicability issues of the VIA-IS.
Method:
Step-by-step AIVS development procedures are presented, and the AIVS factor structure identified via factor analysis is interpreted from a psychosocial adaptation perspective and compared to the VIA-IS factor structure.
Results:
AIVS subscales include Courage, Integrity, Practical Wisdom, Committed Action, and Emotional Transcendence. Construct validity was assessed by correlating AIVS factors with measures of resilience, life satisfaction, and well-being.
Conclusions:
The AIVS offers a reliable framework that has clinical utility for strengths-based rehabilitation practice.
... Para Fried (1995) la pasión está en el centro de lo que es o debe ser la enseñanza, la pasión como motor y el entusiasmo en el contexto escolar como fuerza motivadora que emana de la emoción, genera energía, determinación convicción y compromiso (Fredrickson, 2002). Atendiendo a la clasificación de Fortalezas y Virtudes en Acción (VIA), la fortaleza de pasión y entusiasmo aparece dentro de la virtud de trascendencia, fortalezas emocionales que van más allá de la persona, personas llenas de vida que se dedican en cuerpo y alma a la actividad que realizan, contagiándola (Peterson y Park, 2009;Shryack, Steger, Krueger y Kallie, 2010). A comienzos del siglo XX el Padre Ángel Ayala entendía de esta forma la educación, motivadora y novedosa para despertar en los alumnos todos los sentidos y de esta forma realizar un aprendizaje relevante. ...
p>Este texto tiene como objetivo exponer el cambio de paradigma que está sufriendo la educación: la educación basada en la razón y la fundamentada en la presencia de los educadores y las relaciones emocionales y sociales que se establecen en el aula. Se advierte el papel que desempeña la comunicación pedagógica en ambos constructos, las distintas formas y elementos de esta comunicación para que el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en las aulas se produzca con el objetivo necesario y prioritario de transmitir conocimientos y competencias además de habilidades de comunicación por parte del educando consigo mismo y con su entorno y conseguir, de esta forma, un desarrollo personal y social que le permita una relación óptima con la realidad.
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... If we discover that character strengths in the VIA model are strongly associated with moral developmental indicators and moral virtues including both firstand second-order virtues, researchers and educators in the field of moral education will have a tool for research and evaluation of educational programs that is empirically supported . If stronger VIA characters strengths are found to be associated with more developed moral reasoning and practical wisdom, and finally, flourishing, we will be able to assess students' character strengths constituting the basis of moral functioning in a more systematic manner (Shryack et al., 2010). In addition, the VIA model will help researchers and moral educators better assess and understand more diverse aspects of moral character strengths (Kern, Waters, Adler, & White, 2015), which could not be properly assessed by previous moral psychological tools focusing on specific aspects of moral functioning, such as the DIT focusing on moral reasoning and the MCT focusing on moral competence (Lind, 2008;Thoma, 2006). ...
The VIA Inventory of Strengths and the VIA model were originally developed to assess and study 24 character strengths. In this paper, I discuss how the VIA Inventory and its character strength model can be applied to the field of moral education with moral philosophical considerations. First, I review previous factor analysis studies that have consistently reported factors containing candidates for moral virtues, and discuss the systematic structure and organization of VIA character strengths. Second, I discuss several issues related to the VIA model, including a lack of previous studies that directly support the moral justifiability of the model and the presence of a fundamental virtue component required for optimal moral functioning in virtue ethics, phronesis, practical wisdom, in the model. Finally, I propose future directions for research on the VIA model in order to address the aforementioned issues and facilitate the application of the model in moral education.
... In addition, Cawley et al. (2000) used the lexical method to extract terms describing virtues, and compiled a Virtues Scale (VS). The following decade witnessed the surge of the literature on personality such as virtue and humility (Krueger et al., 2001;Shryack et al., 2010;Xiong et al., 2018), and the construct of "light triad personality" was formally proposed to describe people's positive traits (Kaufman et al., 2019). ...
... Intrapersonal strengths are theorized to reflect a sense of accountability, excellence in performance, and recognition of one's own potential in the future (Baehr, 2017;Duckworth & Seligman, 2005;Lickona & Davidson, 2005;Shryack, Steger, Krueger, & Kallie, 2010). Five intrapersonal strengths-future orientation, optimism, perseverance, responsibility, and thrift (see Table 1)were also included in the current study. ...
Parents promote character development in many ways: by cultivating a supportive relationship, modeling the strengths they hope to cultivate, and through the ideas they communicate to their children. Given the need for developmentally sensitive assessments of contexts that facilitate character development, this study examined the role of a family civic context by examining associations between psychological needs support, parental modeling, and communication and character across elementary-, middle-, and high school ages. Using a diverse, cross-sectional sample of 2,467 youth ages 9–19, bifactor models were estimated across age groups to examine age differences in associations between parenting practices and character. Psychological needs support and communication predicted global character across age groups. At older ages, parenting practices evidenced greater specificity in promoting character strengths. Results provide insights into the distinct ways parenting strategies are associated with the development of general and specific character strengths and how these associations vary with age.
... Les traits de caractère positifs présentent un intérêt dans la mesure où ils induisent de multiples effets positifs dans les différentes sphères de la vie sociale comme la famille, l'école, le travail et la communauté (Peterson & Park, 2011). La validité transculturelle du modèle structurel VIA n'a pas été démontré (Peterson & Seligman, 2004 ;Otake & al.,2005 ;Brdar & Kashdan, 2010 ;Ruch & al., 2010 ;Shryack & al., 2010 ;Singh & Choubisa, 2010 ;Cosentino, 2011 ;Duan & al.,2012 ;McGrath, 2014 ;Ng & al., 2017), et McGrath (2014) (Lecomte, 2011, p.9). Par conséquent, elle explore la manière dont on peut passer de la négativité à la positivité, ce qui revient aussi à aborder la manière dont on peut passer de la santé mentale négative à la santé mentale positive. ...
La positivité, facteur commun et latent entre l'estime de soi, l'optimisme et la satisfaction de vie, est la “disposition de base” de l’affect positif. L’objectif de cette thèse est d’explorer l’influence de la positivité sur la santé mentale. Elle se décompose en trois objectifs :
- (1) définir la place de la positivité dans la subjectivité de la santé mentale en proposant : (a) de concevoir la structure de la dimension cognitive de manière multidimensionnelle, impliquant la présence des dimensions Cognition positive et Cognition négative, (b) d’adapter et de valider l’échelle de positivité de Caprara et collaborateurs (2012) en langue française, (c) un modèle de la subjectivité mentale composé de quatre dimensions : la Cognition positive, la Cognition négative, l’Affect positif et l’Affect négatif.
- (2) déterminer le rôle de la positivité parmi les autres indicateurs de la santé mentale positive en explorant : (1) l’influence majeure de la positivité sur le fonctionnement psychologique positif, l’affect positif et l’affect négatif, (2) la fonction de la positivité dans l’influence de la régulation motivationnelle autonome des comportements sur le bonheur.
- (3) identifier le rôle de la positivité dans l’effet de la régulation émotionnelle fonctionnelle sur la sphère affective de la santé mentale, que ce soit dans les situations positives ainsi que dans les situations négatives.
Enfin, cette thèse présente un méta-modèle expliquant la place et l’influence prépondérante de la positivité sur la santé mentale. En s’appuyant sur la méta-théorie de l’autodétermination, il sera proposé une articulation théorique reflétant le développement de la positivité, de manière analogue à celui de l’être humain.
... Les traits de caractère positifs présentent un intérêt dans la mesure où ils induisent de multiples effets positifs dans les différentes sphères de la vie sociale comme la famille, l'école, le travail et la communauté (Peterson & Park, 2011). La validité transculturelle du modèle structurel VIA n'a pas été démontré (Peterson & Seligman, 2004 ;Otake & al.,2005 ;Brdar & Kashdan, 2010 ;Ruch & al., 2010 ;Shryack & al., 2010 ;Singh & Choubisa, 2010 ;Cosentino, 2011 ;Duan & al.,2012 ;McGrath, 2014 ;Ng & al., 2017), et McGrath (2014) (Lecomte, 2011, p.9). Par conséquent, elle explore la manière dont on peut passer de la négativité à la positivité, ce qui revient aussi à aborder la manière dont on peut passer de la santé mentale négative à la santé mentale positive. ...
Positivity, a common and latent factor between self-esteem, optimism and life satisfaction, is the "basic disposition" of positive affect. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the influence of positivity on mental health. It is made up upon three objectives : - (1) to define the place of positivity in the subjectivity of mental health by proposing : (a) to conceive the structure of the cognitive dimension in a multidimensional way, involving the presence of the dimensions of positive cognition and negative cognition, (b) adapt and validate the positivity scale of Caprara and collaborators (2012) in French, (c) a model of mental subjectivity composed of four dimensions : positive cognition, negative cognition, positive affect and negative affect. - (2) to determine the role of positivity among the other indicators of positive mental health by exploring : (1) the major influence of positivity on positive psychological functioning, positive affect and negative affect, (2) the function of positivity in the influence of autonomous motivational regulation of behaviors on happiness. - (3) to identify the role of positivity in the effect of functional emotional regulation on the affective sphere of mental health, both in positive and negative situations. Finally, this thesis presents a meta-model explaining the place and the preponderant influence of positivity on mental health. Based on the meta-theory of self-determination, a theoretical articulation will be put forward, reflecting the development of positivity in a similar way to that of the human being.
... The extensive use of self-reporting and confidence gained in affective domain assessment was noted in contemporary studies. The Canadian Index of Wellbeing known as CIW (Michalos & Kahlke, 2010) recommended by OECD (2011) used in combination with self-esteem, signature strengths (Shryack, Steger, Krueger, & Kallie, 2010) and personality tests (Lucas & Donnellan, 2011) designed to monitor student progress. ...
Gifted students possess potential for advanced intellect that accelerates learning from an early age. By adolescence, a knowledge gap emerges between gifted adolescents and their peers, which presents challenges that potentially influence wellbeing. This research reports a case study of a compaction intervention program. It draws on data from six consecutive middle years cohorts to explore student wellbeing. The two-phase study used archives to inform retrospective interviews. Evidence revealed value in using a balanced approach to address student needs. Influences on wellbeing highlighted the necessity for systemic support beyond gifted program interventions. A Health Promoting school framework (WHO, 2013) was recommended to improve sustainability and outcomes.
... Additionally, it has great empirical support regarding the prediction of psychological outcomes, such as increases in happiness and decreases in depressive symptoms , and increments in coping with work stress (Harzer and Ruch, 2015), in work productivity (Lavy and Littman-Ovadia, 2017), in well-being (Martínez Martí and Ruch, 2014) and in academic achievement (Wagner and Ruch, 2015), among many others (VIA Institute on Character, 2017). As with many psychological constructs, there is not much evidence of factorial structure and transcultural validity of the VIA model (e.g., Peterson and Seligman, 2004;Otake et al., 2005;Brdar and Kashdan, 2010;Ruch et al., 2010;Shryack et al., 2010;Singh and Choubisa, 2010;Cosentino, 2011;Duan et al., 2012;McGrath, 2014;Ng et al., 2017). For instance, Ruch and Proyer (2015) concluded that the VIA model should be adjusted to allow strengths to be subsumed under more than one virtue, or that some of the strength definitions should be modified in order to represent only one virtue. ...
The aim of this paper is to explore a new framework for personality assessment that may function as sanity nosology of personality traits: the Positive Personality Model (PPM). The recent publication of DSM-5 created the opportunity to assess personality traits as dimensional constructs (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In Section III, five maladaptive personality traits are proposed as the maladaptive versions of Five Factor Model (FFM) traits (Costa and McCrae, 1985). This approach draws on the existing idea of conceptualizing pathological and typical personality traits as part of a continuum. It places DSM-5′s maladaptive traits in a sickness pole and FFM’s traits in a “typical” pole. This spectrum, however, does not include a positive perspective that represents healthy behavior: a sanity nosology. The Positive Traits Inventory-5 (PTI-5; de la Iglesia and Castro Solano, 2018) is a measure designed to assess the positive reverse of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Adult (PID-5; Krueger et al., 2013). The 220 positive personality criteria were studied psychometrically using a sample of 1902 Argentinean adults from the general population (Mage = 39.10, SD = 13.81, Min = 18, and Max = 83; 50.1% females, 49.9% males). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in a five-factor solution. The dimensions were labeled Sprightliness, Integrity, Serenity, Moderation, and Humanity and subsumed under the denomination of PPM. Analyses of convergent validity provided some grounds for interpreting the five positive traits as positive versions of the pathological traits and the typical traits. When tested for its predictive capability on mental health, the PPM outperformed the variance explained by the FFM. It is concluded that the PPM may constitute a positive pole in the continuum of personality traits –possibly functioning as a sanity nosology– and that it is somewhat more related to optimal functioning than typical trait models. The PPM should be confirmed in other populations, its predictive capability ought to be tested with other relevant variables, and longitudinal studies should be done to analyze the stability of the traits over time.
... Ruch et al., 2010). Studies on the factor structure of VIA-IS have explored the underlying virtue dimensions from strengths scales and yielded diverse findings on the number of virtues ranging from one to five (Dahlsgaard, 2005;McGrath, 2014McGrath, , 2015aNg, Cao, Marsh, Tay, & Seligman, 2017;Peterson, Park, Pole, D'Andrea, & Seligman, 2008;Ruch et al., 2010;Shryack, Steger, Krueger, & Kallie, 2010;Singh & Choubisa, 2009Van Eeden, Wissing, Dreyer, Park, & Peterson, 2008). Strength-to-virtue level structure of VIA-IS is still tentative and awaits confirmation across different samples. ...
Values in Action is a classification of 24 character strengths grouped under six virtue categories. This classification is claimed to be universal across cultures and religions (Peterson & Seligman, 2004) and its measure that is, Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) has been translated and validated in many languages. The present study aimed at its Urdu translation and validation on Pakistani adults taken from different educational institutes and workplaces. Study comprised two parts. Part I dealt with the translation and cross-language validation while in Part II, Construct validation on a sample of 542 adults and convergent validity on a sample of 210 adult participants were determined. Findings revealed satisfactory alpha coefficients for Urdu version. Significant positive correlations with positive affect and life satisfaction and negative correlations with negative affect were indicators of its convergent validity. Age was negatively associated with five strengths whereas significant gender differences were found on seven strengths. Social desirability effects were nonsignificant. Strength-to-virtue level factor structure exploration resulted in a theoretically meaningful four factor structure. Factors were named as Interpersonal, Cognitive, Vitality, and Transcendence and were comparable to factor structures proposed in studies on VIA-IS from a few other cultures. The study offers a valid Urdu translation for use in future studies with adult Urdu speaking population.
... Following the aforementioned attempts, the factor structure of the VIA-IS and the VIA-120 has been referred to by a significant amount of studies (see Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Littman-Ovadia & Lavy, 2012;Macdonald, Bore, & Munro, 2008;Peterson, Park, Pole, D'Andrea, & Seligman, 2008;Shryack, Steger, Krueger, & Kallie, 2010;Singh & Choubisa, 2010). The majority of these studies revealed that dimensional models consisting of either four or five factors are better suited regarding data. ...
The aim of the present study was to examine the conceptual framework of character strengths in the Greek cultural context and, to do so, the factor structure of the Greek version of the Values In Action-120 (VIA-120) inventory of strengths was explored. A lifespan sample of 3,211 Greek adults was used to examine the factorial structure and psychometric characteristics of the measurement. The results indicated that the structure of the 24 character strengths was confirmed and a model of five virtues has emerged. The similarities and differences between the Greek and other cultures’ models are being discussed. The VIA-114GR demonstrated adequate reliability, convergent validity to wellbeing indices and discriminant validity to negative experiences. Gender and age differences were found in several strengths and virtues. Also, the findings showed that the five signature strengths of the Greek sample were kindness, love, honesty, fairness, and persistence and the five bottom strengths were love of learning, spirituality, perspective, modesty, and self-regulation. Limitations, recommendations for future studies and practical implications for the use of VIA-114GR are being discussed.
... Given evidence identifying character strengths as antecedents of health behavior, subjective well-being, and physical health, modeling whether or not the deployment experience is associated with different trajectories of character is a worthwhile endeavor (Proyer et al., 2013) One difficulty that emerges in providing an assessment of the field of character development to date is that the taxonomy necessarily contains many strengths. Several data reduction efforts (i.e., factor analyses) have been undertaken since the measure's inception (e.g., McGrath, 2014;Shryack et al., 2010). Measures have also been refined over time, resulting in an abbreviated 24-item measure of character strengths (e.g., the Abbreviated Character Strengths Test (ACST); Peterson et al., 2011). ...
Objective
Despite a narrative of post‐traumatic growth and resilience, research reliably demonstrating positive character development following adversity has proved elusive. In the current study, we examined changes in character strengths in Army soldiers deploying for the first time.
Method
The sample was comprised of 212,386 Army soldiers (Mage = 26.5 years old, SD = 7.13; 70.8% White) who were deploying for the first time. Character strengths were assessed once before and up to three times following soldiers’ return from deployment.
Results
We found evidence for two classes of change—a resilient class (“stable high”) and a declining class (“persistent low”). Most soldiers were resilient—they had high levels of character strengths prior to deployment and changed very little across the deployment cycle. Approximately 40% of soldiers started with lower character and experienced initial declines post‐deployment, from which they experienced no more than small gains over time.
Conclusions
Character strengths were highly stable across the deployment transition but some soldiers experienced initial declines from which they never fully rebounded. The findings are discussed in the context of the mechanisms that drive character development.
... Each study yielded a different model of the latent structure of the 24 strengths, with differences in the number of factors extracted, in the content of those factors (in terms of the strengths composing them), and even in the labels used to name the factors. Scholars found evidence to support grouping the 24 strengths into three (e.g., Duan et al., 2012;McGrath, 2015;Seibel et al., 2015;Shryack et al., 2010), five (e.g., Azañedo et al., 2017;Peterson & Park, 2004;Ruch et al., 2010;Singh & Choubisa, 2010) or, less frequently, four (Anjum & Amjad, 2020;Brdar & Kashdan, 2010;Macdonald et al., 2008) or two factors (Khumalo et al., 2008). As summarized graphically in Table S1 in the Supplemental materials, an intellectual secondorder factor usually comprising strengths such as creativity, curiosity or love of learning emerged in several studies. ...
The Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) is a widely-used measure for character. Its factorial structure is still debated, however, and previous validation studies usually failed to examine the unidimensionality of the single character strengths. In addition, no studies to date have examined its Italian version. We validated the structure of the Italian short form of the VIA-IS in a sample of 16722 participants. Using confirmatory factor analysis and treating items as ordinal variables, we followed three simple, but too often neglected, steps: we studied the unidimensionality of the single strengths first, then their convergence into second-order virtues, and then fitted a hierarchical model that includes items, strengths and virtues, as originally proposed by Peterson and Seligman. All strengths except "love of learning" were unidimensional, and both the virtues and the final hierarchical models showed acceptable fit indices, unlike three models derived from an exploratory factor analysis. The same findings emerged for a smaller sample of 1035 participants. Finally, both character strengths and virtues showed positive relations with general mental health and negative relations with psychological distress. These results are discussed considering previous studies on the factorial structure of the VIA-IS.
... According to Emmons (2006), scientific studies on spirituality encompass three levels of analysis: (1) spirituality as a trait (e.g., spiritual transcendence; (Piedmont, 1999)); (2) spirituality as personal goals; and (3) spirituality in emotions, like gratitude, awe, wonder, or forgiveness (Emmons, 2006). From the viewpoint of positive psychology, spirituality (as a form of transcendence) is a character strength (Pikó et al., 2011;Shryack et al., 2010). Maslow (1969) and Frankl (1966) denote that self-transcendence and spirituality are integral parts of a human being providing meaning of life and perceived freedom, thus they can serve as coping tools in extreme life situations, crises, and chronic diseases (Garcia-Romeu, 2010;Kopp et al., 2004;Pikó et al., 2011). ...
Background: Spirituality is a human specific phenomenon associated with positive mental and physical health outcomes. From a scientific point of view, it is a complex construct which can be investigated in various ways. The Spiritual Connection Questionnaire (SCQ) measures spirituality independently from religiousness thus it appears to be an appropriate measure to assess religious and non-religious aspects of spirituality. Aim: The present study aimed to develop and validate the Hungarian version of the short form of the Spiritual Connection Questionnaire (SCQ-14). Furthermore, it aimed to investigate spirituality’s association with affect and thinking style. Methods: Participants of two non- representative community samples ( n = 387 and n = 145) completed the following questionnaires online: short form of the Spiritual Connection Questionnaire, Spiritual Transcendence Scale, Rational–Experiential Inventory, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Results: The Hungarian SCQ-14 showed an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.94 and 0.97 on Sample 1 and 2 , respectively). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated inappropriate fit with the theoretically assumed one-factor model ( χ ² = 435.848, df = 77, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.904; NFI = 0.886; RMSEA = 0.110 [90% CI = 0.100–0.120] on Sample 1 , and χ ² = 247.132, df = 77, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.917; NFI = 0.885; RMSEA = 0.123 [90% CI = 0.106–0.141] on Sample 2 ). In contrast, results of exploratory factor analyses indicated a one-factor structure on both samples. The SCQ-14 was positively associated with spiritual transcendence, experiential thinking style, and partly with positive affect. No significant correlations with rational thinking style and negative affect were found. Results of the multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis on both samples revealed a significant contribution of experiential thinking style and spiritual transcendence to spiritual connection after controlling for gender, age, educational qualification, and positive affect. Conclusions: The Hungarian version of the Spiritual Connection Questionnaire (SCQ-14) is a valid, psychometrically sound measure. Spiritual transcendence and experiential thinking style independently contribute to spiritual connection.
Elméleti háttér: A spiritualitás humánspecifikus jelenség, amelynek pozitív hatása a testi és mentális egészségre nézve bizonyított. Tudományos szempontból a spiritualitás meglehetősen összetett fogalom, számos különböző mérőeszközzel vizsgálható. A Spirituális Kapcsolat Kérdőív (Spiritual Connection Questionnaire, SCQ) vallástól függetlenül értékeli a spiritualitás szintjét, így vallásos és nem vallásos személyek körében egyaránt alkalmazható. Cél: Jelen kutatás célja Spirituális Kapcsolat Kérdőív rövid változatának (SCQ-14) magyar nyelvű validálása volt. További cél volt a spiritualitás gondolkozási stílussal és affektivitással való összefüggésének vizsgálata. Módszerek: A kutatás két nem reprezentatív mintából áll ( n = 387 és n = 145), amelynek résztvevői a Spirituális Kapcsolat Kérdőív rövid változatát, a Spirituális Transzcendencia Kérdőívet, az Észszerűség–Megérzés Kérdőívet, valamint a Pozitív és Negatív Affektivitás Skálát töltötték ki online formában. Eredmények: Az SCQ-14 magyar változata kiváló belső konzisztenciát (Cronbach- α = 0,94 az első, és 0,97 a második mintán) jelzett. A konfirmatív faktoranalízis nem mutatott megfelelő illeszkedést az eredeti egyfaktoros modellhez képest ( χ ² = 435,848, df = 77, p < 0,001; CFI = 0,904; NFI = 0,886; RMSEA = 0,110 [90% CI = 0,100– 0,120] az első mintán, és χ ² = 247,132, df = 77, p < 0,001; CFI = 0,917; NFI = 0,885; RMSEA = 0,123 [90% CI = 0,106–0,141] a második mintán). Ezzel szemben a feltáró faktoranalízis eredménye egyfaktoros modellt mutatott mindkét minta esetén. Az SCQ-14 továbbá pozitív irányú összefüggést mutatott a spirituális transzcendenciával, a tapasztalati gondolkodási stílussal, valamint részben a pozitív affektivitással is. A spirituális kapcsolat és negatív affektivitás, valamint a racionális gondolkodási stílus között nem jelentkezett szignifikáns korreláció. A mindkét mintán lefuttatott többszörös hierarchikus lineáris regresszió eredményei szerint a tapasztalati gondolkodás és a spirituális transzcendencia a nem, a kor, az iskolai végzettség és a pozitív affektivitás kontrollálása után is szignifikáns kapcsolatban maradt a spirituális kapcsolat pontszámmal. Következtetések: A Spirituális Kapcsolat Kérdőív rövid változatának magyar verziója valid, jó pszichometriai mutatókkal bíró mérőeszköz. A spirituális transzcendencia és a tapasztalati gondolkodás egymástól függetlenül is hozzájárulnak a spirituális kapcsolathoz.
... These are very consequential areas of personal functioning and the person's understanding of how well they are doing. Along with other strengths, self-reported high levels of functioning in these areas are associated with greater emotional well-being (Güsewell & Ruch, 2012;Shryack, Steger, Krueger, & Kallie, 2010) although when such self-estimates are highly discrepant from real ability, a person may inadvertently mislead themselves-and possibly those depending upon them (Furnham, Richards, & Paulhus, 2013;Hiller & Hambrick, 2005). The person who believes she can read people well is more likely to be extraverted and low in neuroticism. ...
We examined the dimensions people use when estimating their ability to understand personality—an ability we refer to as personal intelligence. In the first two studies (Ns = 434 and 393), a four-factor model fit people's self-estimates reasonably, with scales of the “Explained Self”, “Self-Understanding”, “Understanding Others,” and “Goals and Planning”. In Study 2 and in Study 3 (N = 482) we examined whether any of the specific self-estimated abilities more accurately indexed actual ability-based personal intelligence relative to overall estimates, and if not, what other personality traits they correlated with. To find out, the four factor-based scales of self-estimated abilities were correlated with the objective Test of Personal Intelligence and traits of the Big Five. None of the specific, self-estimated abilities correlated with actual ability any higher than earlier-used experimenter-provided global self-estimated scales; the participants' self-estimates were determined chiefly by dimensions of the Big Five relative to ability, at a ratio of “variance explained” of six to one. The studies provide new insights into how people view their skills at understanding personality, and the possible origins of such beliefs.
... A parallel analysis (PA) was conducted to determine how many factors should be extracted. As one of the most accurate factor retention methods (Hayton, Allen & Scarpello, 2004;Mair, 2018), PA has been used as one criterion for determining the number of retained dimensions in many studies (Shryack, Steger, Krueger & Kallie, 2010;Weidman, Cheng & Tracy, 2018). It compares the eigenvalue for each factor in one's actual data to the corresponding eigenvalues generated by many random data sets that have the same sample size and number of variables. ...
The present study describes the development and validation of the good and evil character traits (GECT) scale. A set of 3,614 good and evil moral character descriptors (i.e., moral and immoral character traits) was selected from a dictionary of contemporary Chinese language and daily life expressions and ultimately condensed into 55 items. Then, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and parallel analysis (PA) were conducted to explore the structure and final items of the GECT with sample 1 (n = 350), resulting in 21 good items and 32 evil items. After that, in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with sample 2 (n = 350), the resulting factor structure was confirmed for the 53‐item scale (Study 1). Additionally, evidence of validity based on correlations with Honesty‐Humility and Dirty Dozen was demonstrated (Study 2). The implications of our findings for the assessment of good and evil characters and further theoretical exploration are discussed.
... In order to test whether character strength factors predicted changes in mental health and subjective wellbeing over a period of approximately 1 month, we conducted a series of regression analyses on each character strength factor at Time 1 as a predictor, and mental health, life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect at Time 2 as dependent variables. Since most research on character strengths has previously shown that the 24 character strengths are usually grouped into three (e.g., Shryack et al., 2010;McGrath, 2015), or five factors (e.g., Ruch et al., 2010;McGrath, 2014), character strength factors were derived empirically. ...
This study examines whether character strengths predict resilience (operationalized as stable or higher mental health and subjective well-being despite an adverse event) over a period of approximately 1 month during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Spain. Using a longitudinal design, participants (N = 348 adults) completed online measures of sociodemographic data, information regarding their situation in relation to the COVID-19, character strengths, general mental health, life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect. All variables were measured at Time 1 and Time 2, except for sociodemographic and most COVID-related information (Time 1 only). Time 1 data collection was conducted between March 21, 2020 and April 2, 2020, i.e., approximately the second week of lockdown in Spain. Time 2 data collection was conducted between April 24, 2020 and May 18, 2020, after the Spanish government announced its intention to progressively release the lockdown. A principal component analysis of character strengths was conducted. Five character strength factors were extracted: fortitude, goodness, intellectual, interpersonal, and restraint. Factor structures at Times 1 and 2 were highly consistent. All character strength factors at Time 1 correlated positively with life satisfaction and positive affect, and negatively with negative affect and mental health at T2 (higher scores in the mental health measure indicate poorer mental health). Fortitude strengths showed the highest correlations. We conducted a series of regression analyses with strength factors at Time 1 as predictors, and mental health, life satisfaction, and positive and negative affect as dependent variables, controlling for their baseline levels. To test the directionality of the relationship between strengths and the dependent variables, all analyses were reversed. All character strength factors predicted an increase in mental health. They also predicted positive affect, with the exception of strengths of restraint. Fortitude, intellectual, and interpersonal strengths predicted an increase in life satisfaction. Finally, fortitude strengths, interpersonal strengths, and strengths of restraint, predicted a decrease in negative affect. None of the reversed analyses yielded significant effects. Limitations, implications, and possible character strengths-based interventions aimed at promoting mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.
... Then, the internal structure of the VIA-120 was examined, extracting the factor solution best fitting our data with the aid of a principal component analysis. This step was necessary to identify the second-order character strength effects as the theoretical 6-virtues structure proposed by Peterson and Seligman (2004) has not been confirmed, and several studies have since suggested different sets of second-order factors (e.g., three factors in McGrath 2015, andShryack et al. 2010;or five in Höfer et al. 2019;Azañedo et al. 2017;Martínez-Martí and Ruch 2017;Littman-Ovadia 2015;McGrath 2014, andRuch et al. 2010). Finally, to accomplish the main aim of our study, the associations of character strengths with the DASS-21, GHQ-12 and SEC were examined, in terms of both second-order and single character strengths, by means of a series of linear regression models. ...
The Covid-19 pandemic obliged people around the world to stay home and self-isolate, with a number of negative psychological consequences. This study focuses on the protective role of character strengths in sustaining mental health and self-efficacy during lockdown. Data were collected from 944 Italian respondents (mean age = 37.24 years, SD = 14.50) by means of an online survey investigating character strengths, psychological distress and Covid-19-related self-efficacy one month after lockdown began. Using principal component analysis, four strengths factors were extracted, namely transcendence, interpersonal, openness and restraint. Regression models with second-order factors showed that transcendence strengths had a strong inverse association with psychological distress, and a positive association with self-efficacy. Regression models with single strengths identified hope, zest, prudence, love and forgiveness as the strengths most associated with distress, love and zest as the most related to self-efficacy and zest to general mental health. Openness factor and appreciation of beauty showed an unexpected direct relation with psychological distress. These results provide original evidence of the association of character strengths, and transcendence strengths in particular, with mental health and self-efficacy in a pandemic and are discussed within the field of positive psychology.
... Seligman's character strengths (qualities observable in behaviour, to maintain or increase well-being) can also be relevant for conceptualisation of LifEComp framework elements as interrelated: self-regulation, perseverance, curiosity, love of learning, perspective taking (core elements); social intelligence, teamwork, leadership, fairness (social development); critical thinking (learning to learn) Seligman et al., 2004;Shryack et al., 2010). ...
... Seligman's character strengths (qualities observable in behaviour, to maintain or increase well-being) can also be relevant for conceptualisation of LifEComp framework elements as interrelated: self-regulation, perseverance, curiosity, love of learning, perspective taking (core elements); social intelligence, teamwork, leadership, fairness (social development); critical thinking (learning to learn) Seligman et al., 2004;Shryack et al., 2010). ...
... (We discuss the broader selfreport research on virtue in the last section of the article.) Unfortunately, with respect to the VIA-IS, numerous factor-analytic studies have suggested factor structures with three to five factors that do not match Peterson and Seligman's initial six-virtue conceptual framework (Macdonald, Bore, & Munro, 2008;McGrath, 2014;Peterson, Park, Pole, D'Andrea, & Seligman, 2008;Shryack, Steger, Krueger, & Kallie, 2010). McGrath (2015) conducted the most extensive factor analyses of the VIA-IS with over one million respondents and found three factors he called Caring, Inquisitiveness, and Self-Control. ...
Numerous scholars have claimed that positive ethical traits such as virtues are important in human psychology and behavior. Psychologists have begun to test these claims. The scores of studies on virtue do not yet constitute a mature science of virtue because of unresolved theoretical and methods challenges. In this article, we addressed those challenges by clarifying how virtue research relates to prosocial behavior, positive psychology, and personality psychology and does not run afoul of the fact-value distinction. The STRIVE-4 (Scalar Traits that are Role sensitive, include Situation × Trait Interactions, and are related to important Values that help to constitute
E
udaimonia) model of virtue is proposed to help resolve the theoretical and methods problems and encourage a mature science of virtue. The model depicts virtues as empirically verifiable, acquired scalar traits that are role sensitive, involve Situation × Trait interactions, and relate to important values that partly constitute eudaimonia (human flourishing). The model also holds that virtue traits have four major components: knowledge, behavior, emotion/motivation, and disposition. Heuristically, the STRIVE-4 model suggests 26 hypotheses, which are discussed in light of extant research to indicate which aspects of the model have been assessed and which have not. Research on virtues has included survey, intensive longitudinal, informant-based, experimental, and neuroscientific methods. This discussion illustrates how the STRIVE-4 framework can unify extant research and fruitfully guide future research.
... Some of these dimensions have been separately identified in traditional personality traits, such as extraversion and agreeableness, in the Big Five Factors (BFF) perspective (McCrae and Costa 2010), or honesty and humility, in the HEXACO model (Lee and Ashton 2004). These dimensions are formed by positive facets with prosocial orientation, which encourage individuals to think and act for their own benefit and society (Shryack et al. 2010). Snyder and Lopez (2007) highlight three constructs as important for the pro-sociability and satisfactory interpersonal relationships: altruism, forgiveness, and gratitude. ...
The present article aimed to elaborate the Prosocial Personality Inventory (PSPI+), gathering evidence of its validity (factorial and criterion) and reliability. Six traits were hypothesized, grouped into three first-order factors: altruism (beneficence and egotism), forgiveness (remission and incrimination), and gratitude (recognition and inexpressiveness). Two studies were carried out (n = 1,033). This factor structure was identified in Study 1 and confirmed in Study 2. Overall, all factors presented Cronbach’s alpha of .70 or higher. Systematically, positive and negative aspects of prosocial traits were correlated with agreeableness and dark traits. Moreover, such bright traits were positively correlated with self-reported pro-social behavior. In conclusion, the PSPI+ is a short, theoretically and psychometrically sounds instrument for measuring prosocial personality (altruism, forgiveness, and gratitude), useful for studies focusing on correlates of bright personality (e.g., well-being, voluntarism).
... The theoretical 6-virtues structure proposed by Peterson and Seligman (2004) was not confirmed by subsequent statistical analyses, and various studies have since suggested different sets of second-order factors (e.g., three factors in McGrath, 2015, andShryack et al., 2010;or five in Höfer et al., 2019;Azañedo et al., 2017;Martínez-Martí & Ruch, 2017;Littman-Ovadia, 2015;McGrath, 2014, andRuch et al., 2010). We opted to examine the structure of the VIA-IS-120 using principal component analysis to reduce the number of factors to consider in subsequent analyses. ...
The Covid-19 pandemic obliged people around the world to stay home and self-isolate, with a number of negative psychological consequences. This study focuses on the protective role of character strengths in sustaining mental health and self-efficacy during lockdown. Data were collected from 944 Italian respondents (mean age = 37.24 years, SD = 14.50) by means of an online survey investigating character strengths, psychological distress and Covid-19-related self-efficacy one month after lockdown began. Using principal component analysis, four strengths factors were extracted, namely transcendence, interpersonal, openness and restraint. Regression models showed that transcendence strengths had a strong inverse association with psychological distress, and a positive association with self-efficacy. Openness showed an unexpected direct effect on psychological distress. These results provide original evidence of the importance of character strengths, and transcendence strengths in particular, in supporting mental health and self-efficacy in a pandemic and are discussed within the field of positive psychology.
... Given evidence identifying character strengths as antecedents of health behavior, subjective well-being, and physical health, modeling whether or not the deployment experience is associated with different trajectories of character is a worthwhile endeavor (Proyer et al., 2013) One difficulty that emerges in providing an assessment of the field of character development to date is that the taxonomy necessarily contains many strengths. Several data reduction efforts (i.e., factor analyses) have been undertaken since the measure's inception (e.g., McGrath, 2014;Shryack et al., 2010). Measures have also been refined over time, resulting in an abbreviated 24-item measure of character strengths (e.g., the Abbreviated Character Strengths Test (ACST); Peterson et al., 2011). ...
Objective: Despite a narrative of post-traumatic growth and resilience, research reliably demonstrating positive character development following adversity has proved elusive. In the current study, we examined changes in character strengths in Army soldiers deploying for the first time. The sample was comprised of 212,386 Army soldiers (Mage = 26.5 years old, SD = 7.13; 70.8% White) who were deploying for the first time. Character strengths were assessed once before and up to three times following soldiers’ return from deployment. We found evidence for two classes of change—a resilient class (“stable high”) and a declining class (“persistent low”). Most soldiers were resilient—they had high levels of character strengths prior to deployment and changed very little across the deployment cycle. Approximately 40% of soldiers started with lower character and experienced initial declines post-deployment, from which they experienced no more than small gains over time. Character strengths were highly stable across the deployment transition but some soldiers experienced initial declines from which they never fully rebounded. The findings are discussed in the context of the mechanisms that drive character development.
... If we discover that character strengths in the VIA model are strongly associated with moral developmental indicators and moral virtues including both firstand second-order virtues, researchers and educators in the field of moral education will have a tool for research and evaluation of educational programs that is empirically supported . If stronger VIA characters strengths are found to be associated with more developed moral reasoning and practical wisdom, and finally, flourishing, we will be able to assess students' character strengths constituting the basis of moral functioning in a more systematic manner (Shryack et al., 2010). In addition, the VIA model will help researchers and moral educators better assess and understand more diverse aspects of moral character strengths (Kern, Waters, Adler, & White, 2015), which could not be properly assessed by previous moral psychological tools focusing on specific aspects of moral functioning, such as the DIT focusing on moral reasoning and the MCT focusing on moral competence (Lind, 2008;Thoma, 2006). ...
The VIA Inventory of Strengths and the VIA model were originally developed to assess and study 24 character strengths. In this paper, I discuss how the VIA Inventory and its character strength model can be applied to the field of moral education with moral philosophical considerations. First, I review previous factor analysis studies that have consistently reported factors containing candidates for moral virtues, and discuss the systematic structure and organization of VIA character strengths. Second, I discuss several issues related to the VIA model, including a lack of previous studies that directly support the moral justifiability of the model and the presence of a fundamental virtue component required for optimal moral functioning in virtue ethics, phronesis, practical wisdom, in the model. Finally, I propose future directions for research on the VIA model in order to address the aforementioned issues and facilitate the application of the model in moral education.
... However, looking forward, artificial intelligence promises to become our most important partner in the pursuit of greater agency, and a tremendous investment has been made to understand the role human-computer interaction plays in its creation (Moore, 2016). Eventually, artificial intelligence will benefit from this partnership, because the development of algorithmic anticipation, defined broadly as AI's ability to predict the future, serves as the best-known model for training software programs to one day achieve human like-levels of general intelligence; therefore, there is reason to believe that by supporting the agency of human beings today, AI is exposed to the best possible training for developing future artificial consciousness (Adomavicius & Tuzhilin, 2005;Miller & Poli, 2010); Self-agency in human beings is best developed through the application of strengths of creativity, perspective, bravery, curiosity, hope, and love of learning (Shryack et al., 2010). The most productive application of strengths in the service of algorithmic adaptability are dynamism, affirmation, enablement, and improvability. ...
Artificial intelligence has generated more ambivalence than any technology in human history. As Silicon Valley enters the third decade of its self-proclaimed era of artificial intelligence, there is still surprisingly little agreement about the nature of the 21st century’s defining invention, and even less about how our relationship with this seminal technology should be managed in the future. Positive psychology offers software engineers methods to cultivate a greater understanding of the unique strengths of the artificial intelligence programs they develop, as well as the effects to wellbeing triggered by the applications they deploy. In this paper, I will propose three tools inspired by my chosen field of study for use by artificial intelligence innovators: (a) a classification of the artificial intelligence strengths and virtues; (b) the THETIS dimensions of cybernetic wellbeing, and; (c) the definition of a positive existential posthuman philosophy of artificial intelligence design. The philosophy of positive psychology is perhaps most succinctly summarized with a single phrase: “other people matter.” If Silicon Valley is to deliver a clearer and more compelling vision of the future of artificial intelligence—one in which human and machine agents work and thrive in collaborative harmony—then it must update its innovation practices to embrace a similarly transformative point of view: “other consciousnesses matter,” too.
The aim of the present study was to examine the conceptual framework of
character strengths in the Greek cultural context and, to do so, the factor
structure of the Greek version of the Values In Action-120 (VIA-120) inventory
of strengths was explored. A lifespan sample of 3,211 Greek adults was used to
examine the factorial structure and psychometric characteristics of the
measurement. The results indicated that the structure of the 24 character
strengths was confirmed and a model of five virtues has emerged. The
similarities and differences between the Greek and other cultures’ models are
being discussed. The VIA-114GR demonstrated adequate reliability, convergent
validity to wellbeing indices, and discriminant validity to negative experiences.
Gender and age differences were found in several strengths and virtues. Also,
the findings showed that the five signature strengths of the Greek sample were
kindness, love, honesty, fairness, and persistence and the five bottom strengths
were love of learning, spirituality, perspective, modesty, and self-regulation.
Limitations, recommendations for future studies, and practical implications for
the use of VIA-114GR are being discussed.
The character strengths and virtues approach is a classification system to examine the characteristics of good character in terms of twenty-four strengths and six virtues. This study was designed to investigate the psychometric properties regarding the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the VIA-Youth. A tool developed to evaluate the character strengths of youth. In addition, character strengths were examined in terms of life satisfaction, values and demographic characteristics. 1963 high school students between 14-19 years participated in this study by completing VIA-Youth and the Human Values and Life Satisfaction inventories. The results confirm the six-factor model in the theoretical framework. It has also been concluded that character strengths affect life satisfaction and values and that socio demographic features are related to strengths. The adaptation of this inventory into Turkish culture contributes to the current understanding of the universal aspects of character strengths for studies within the context of positive youth development. Besides the adaptation, the relationships between character strengths, values, demographic characteristics and life satisfaction were discussed and suggestions were made.
This essay raises concerns about positive psychology’s classification of character strengths and virtues and issues of measurement. Part I examines the process whereby the classification was compiled. Part II turns to issues of measurement and questions about positive psychologists’ sensitivity to variations in the meanings of the constructs they purport to measure, both within and across cultures. I argue that attempts to find a ‘deep structure’ of the character strengths and virtues should proceed hand in hand with efforts to render positive psychology and its measurement tools more sensitive to variability in character strengths and virtues across and within cultures. The essay concludes with suggestions for future research.
The aim of the present study was to classify character strengths and virtues, and construct and validate its assessment questionnaire in the Iranian student population. The present research method was of the qualitative-quantitative mixed type. In the qualitative section, Grounded Theory (GT) was used. Thirty-five students in the form of six focus groups (including 24 female students and 11 male students) from among the undergraduate and graduate students of University of [1]Tehran were selected, using judgmental sampling and were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Responses were analyzed by content analysis and the use of two methods of framework and matrix analyses through the MAXQDA10 software. The findings indicated the existence of four factors or virtues in Iranian society: wisdom (including analytical thinking, self-regulation, moderation and prudence, and love of learning), courage (including bravery and honesty), humanity (including justice and fairness, kindness, and forgiveness) and transcendence (including appreciation of beauty and excellence, hope, and spirituality). The second study was conducted using a non-experimental (descriptive) method and a survey plan on 456 students. Analysis of the main components by varimax rotation showed a four-factor structure. These findings suggest that the Iranian Character Strengths Questionnaire can provide reliable data.
Bu araştırmanın amacı Shoshani (2018) tarafından geliştirilen Karakter Güçleri Envanteri Erken Çocukluk Formu'nun Türkçeye uyarlanarak geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmasının yapılmasıdır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda, okul öncesi eğitim kurumlarına devam eden 4-6 yaş çocukların ebeveynlerinden 311 araştırma verisi elde edilmiştir. Envanterin orijinal formu 96 madde, 24 alt faktör ve 4 temel boyuttan oluşmaktadır. Uyarlanan envanterden elde edilen veriler ile orijinal formun yapısına uygunluğunu incelemek için doğrulayıcı faktör analizi (DFA) yapılmış, DFA sonucunda ölçeğin orijinal formunun korunduğu görülmüştür. Envanterin güvenirlik analizleri için iç tutarlık katsayıları ve düzeltilmiş madde toplam korelasyonları hesaplanmıştır. Elde edilen Cronbach alfa katsayıları kişilerarası güçler boyutu için 0.91; entelektüel güçler boyutu için 0.86; ölçülülük boyutu için 0.88 ve aşkınlık boyutu için 0.89 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Yapılan analizler neticesinde Karakter Güçleri Envanteri Erken Çocukluk Formu'nun Türk kültüründe geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğu belirlenmiştir.
ABSTRACT The purpose of the current study is to adapt the Character Strengths Inventory for Early Childhood developed by Shoshani (2018) to Turkish by conducting its validity and reliability studies. To this end, a total of 311 research data were collected from the parents of 4-6 year olds attending preschool institutions. The original form of the inventory consists of 96 items, 24 sub-factors and 4 main dimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was run to investigate the compliance of the data collected from the adapted inventory with the construct of the original form and as a result of this CFA, it was found that the construct of the original scale was retained. For the reliability analyses of the scale, internal consistency coefficients and item total correlations were calculated. The calculated Cronbach alpha coefficients are as follows: 0.91 for the Interpersonal Strengths dimension; 0.86 for the Intellectual Strengths dimension; 0.88 for the Temperance dimension and 0.89 for the Transcendence dimension. As a result of the analyses, it was concluded that the Character Strengths Inventory for Early Childhood can be used as a valid and reliable measurement tool in the Turkish culture.
The psychometric properties of the Values in Action (VIA) Classification of Strengths were evaluated in relation to its use with transgender (trans) and gender diverse (TGD) people. 150 transmen, 150 transwomen, and 150 gender nonbinary people matched by age (18 to 63 years of age; M=29.7, SD=9.9) and of similar ethnicity and nationality completed the 192-item VIA-IS-R. Confirmatory factor analysis of responses supported a modified three-factor model consisting of three higher-order ‘virtues’ – inquisitiveness, caring, and self-control. The model demonstrated adequate convergent and discriminant validity as well as measurement invariance (configural, metric and scalar) across the three TGD groups. Construct validity was supported by multiple regressions showing that the virtues explained significant variance in self-perceived resilience and, to a lesser extent, trans-specific positive measures. These results suggest that with modification, the VIA-IS-R is suitable for use with gender diverse people.
Purpose of the study: This study aims to develop an honesty model of education in a school, especially to convey the stages, facilities, and infrastructure needed to carry out honesty education in a school. Methodology: This study used a qualitative method in a case study approach. Data collection was conducted in five ways, namely direct observation, observer as a participant, interviews, documentation, Soft and physical Devices The numbers of the participant were 29 teachers and 40 students. Activities in qualitative data analysis are carried out interactively and continuously and are holistic in nature. Therefore data analysis this study uses 3 steps to analyze research data. first, data reduction. Second, display data, the third is conclusion drawing or verification. Main Findings: The results of this research show that honesty culture can be implemented with a strong school system and with stages clearly. Applications of this study: This study can be useful in moral education or character building for students in a school Novelty/Originality of this study: The process of implementing honesty culture takes place through 4 stages. The first is protection, the second introduction, the third habituation inside and outside the classroom, and the fourth celebrations. The school compiles programs, policies and provides facilities and infrastructure that are oriented to the formation of an honesty culture for students and for all school members.
Some studies have shown that character strengths positively predicted optimal performance and wellbeing in WEIRD societies which may hold limited generalizability to individuals in non-WEIRD contexts. This prospective study examined the association of selected interpersonal character strengths (i.e., fairness, teamwork, leadership, forgiveness, and kindness) with life satisfaction, teacher-reported academic engagement, Mathematics achievement, English achievement, and overall academic achievement among Filipino high school students enrolled in a public high school in the Philippines (Mage = 14.33). There was a two-month interval between Time 1 and Time 2 data collection. Results indicate that whereas fairness and kindness demonstrated stronger magnitudes of associations with subsequent life satisfaction, academic engagement, and achievement, teamwork and forgiveness had positive and moderate intensity of relationships to such outcomes. Compared to other interpersonal strengths, leadership showed weaker correlations with life satisfaction and achievement outcomes. Results allude to the benefits associated with interpersonal positive virtues in a non-WEIRD context.
The performance of five methods for determining the number of components to retain (Horn's parallel analysis, Velicer's minimum average partial [MAP], Cattell's scree test, Bartlett's chi-square test, and Kaiser's eigenvalue greater than 1.0 rule) was investigated across seven systematically varied conditions (sample size, number of variables, number of components, component saturation, equal or unequal numbers of variables per component, and the presence or absence of unique and complex variables). We generated five sample correlation matrices at each of two sample sizes from the 48 known population correlation matrices representing six levels of component pattern complexity. The performance of the parallel analysis and MAP methods was generally the best across all situations. The scree test was generally accurate but variable. Bartlett's chi-square test was less accurate and more variable than the scree test. Kaiser's method tended to severely overestimate the number of components. We discuss recommendations concerning the conditions under which each of the methods are accurate, along with the most effective and useful methods combinations.
Despite the widespread use of exploratory factor analysis in psychological research, researchers often make questionable decisions when conducting these analyses. This article reviews the major design and analytical decisions that must be made when conducting a factor analysis and notes that each of these decisions has important consequences for the obtained results. Recommendations that have been made in the methodological literature are discussed. Analyses of 3 existing empirical data sets are used to illustrate how questionable decisions in conducting factor analyses can yield problematic results. The article presents a survey of 2 prominent journals that suggests that researchers routinely conduct analyses using such questionable methods. The implications of these practices for psychological research are discussed, and the reasons for current practices are reviewed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
An examination of the use of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis by researchers publishing in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin over the previous 5 years is presented, along with a review of recommended methods based on the recent statistical literature. In the case of exploratory factor analysis, an examination and recommendations concerning factor extraction procedures, sample size, number of measured variables, determining the number of factors to extract, factor rotation, and the creation of factor scores are presented. These issues are illustrated via an exploratory factor analysis of data from the University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale. In the case of confirmatory factor analysis, an examination and recommendations concerning model estimation, evaluating model fit, sample size, the effects of non-normality of the data, and missing data are presented. These issues are illustrated via a confirmatory factor analysis of data from the Revised Causal Dimension Scale.
The goals of both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis are described and procedural guidelines for each approach are summarized, emphasizing the use of factor analysis in developing and refining clinical measures. For exploratory factor analysis, a rationale is presented for selecting between principal components analysis and common factor analysis depending on whether the research goal involves either identification of latent constructs or data reduction. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling is described for use in validating the dimensional structure of a measure. Additionally, the uses of confirmatory factor analysis for assessing the invariance of measures across samples and for evaluating multitrait-multimethod data are also briefly described. Suggestions are offered for handling common problems with item-level data, and examples illustrating potential difficulties with confirming dimensional structures from initial exploratory analyses are reviewed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Responds to comments by A. C. Bohart and T Greening, S. B. Shapiro, G. Bacigalupe, R. Walsh, W. C. Compton, C. L. McLafferty and J. D. Kirylo, N. Abi-Hashem, A. C. Catania, G. K. Lampropoulos, and T. M. Kelley (see records
2002-15384-010,
2002-15384-011,
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2002-15384-014,
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2002-15384-016,
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2002-15384-019, respectively) on the January 2000, Vol 55(1) special issue of the
American Psychologist dedicated to positive psychology. M. E. P. Seligman and M. Csikszentmihalyi expand on some of the critical themes discussed in the commentaries. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Positive psychology needs an agreed-upon way of classifying positive traits as a backbone for research, diagnosis, and intervention. As a 1st step toward classification, the authors examined philosophical and religious traditions in China (Confucianism and Taoism), South Asia (Buddhism and Hinduism), and the West (Athenian philosophy, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) for the answers each provided to questions of moral behavior and the good life. The authors found that 6 core virtues recurred in these writings: courage, justice, humanity, temperance, wisdom, and transcendence. This convergence suggests a nonarbitrary foundation for the classification of human strengths and virtues. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Information about the effects of subject sampling and variable sampling on factor pattern reproduction is critical for both the design of studies and the evaluation of existing studies. This article reports both a review of the available literature and the results of 2 new simulation studies. Conditions investigated include the average number of variables per factor (3:1; 4:1, or 5:1), the sample size (
N = 50, 100, 150, 200, 400, 800), the method of analysis (principal component analysis, image component analysis, maximum likelihood factor analysis), pattern of loadings (equal or unequal), and the size of the average loading (.40, .60, .80). A small but consistent pattern of differences between methods occurred. Subject sample size, variable sample size, and size of the loadings can all strongly affect the degree to which a sample pattern reproduces the population pattern. The frequency of boundary cases in factor analysis is also affected by the same 3 variables. A minimum of 3 variables per factor is critical. Weaknesses in one area can be partially compensated for by strengths in another area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Investigated the performance of 5 methods for determining the number of components to retain—J. L. Horn's (see record 1965-13273-001 ) parallel analysis, W. F. Velicer's (see record 1977-00166-001 ) minimum average partial (MAP), R. B. Cattell's (see PA, Vol 41:969) scree test, M. S. Bartlett's (1950) chi-square test, and H. F. Kaiser's (see record 1960-06772-001 ) eigenvalue greater than 1 rule—across 7 systematically varied conditions (sample size, number of variables, number of components, component saturation, equal or unequal numbers of variables for each component, and the presence or absence of unique and complex variables). Five sample correlation matrices were generated at each of 2 sample sizes from the 48 known population correlation matrices representing 6 levels of component pattern complexity. Results indicate that the performance of the parallel analysis and MAP methods was generally the best across all situations; the scree test was generally accurate but variable; and Bartlett's chi-square test was less accurate and more variable than the scree test. Kaiser's method tended to severely overestimate the number of components. (65 ref)
Four hundred and fiftynine students from 20 different high school classrooms in Michigan participated in focus group discussions about the character strengths included in the Values in Action Classification. Students were interested in the subject of good character and able to discuss with candor and sophistication instances of each strength. They were especially drawn to the positive traits of leadership, practical intelligence, wisdom, social intelligence, love of learning, spirituality, and the capacity to love and be loved. Students believed that strengths were largely acquired rather than innate and that these strengths developed through ongoing life experience as opposed to formal instruction. They cited an almost complete lack of contemporary role models exemplifying different strengths of character. Implications of these findings for the quantitative assessment of positive traits were discussed, as were implications for designing character education programs for adolescents. We suggest that peers can be an especially important force in encouraging the development and display of good character among youth. Peer Reviewed http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45293/1/10964_2004_Article_379439.pdf
A science of positive subjective experience, positive individual traits, and positive institutions promises to improve quality of life and prevent the pathologies that arise when life is barren and meaningless. The exclusive focus on pathology that has dominated so much of our discipline results in a model of the human being lacking the positive features that make life worth living. Hope, wisdom, creativity, future mindedness, courage, spirituality, responsibility, and perseverance are ignored or explained as transformations of more authentic negative impulses. The 15 articles in this millennial issue of the American Psychologist discuss such issues as what enables happiness, the effects of autonomy and self-regulation, how optimism and hope affect health, what constitutes wisdom, and how talent and creativity come to fruition. The authors outline a framework for a science of positive psychology, point to gaps in our knowledge, and predict that the next century will see a science and profession that will come to understand and build the factors that allow individuals, communities, and societies to flourish.
Standard psycholexical studies of personality structure have produced a similar 6-factor solution in 7 languages (Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Polish). The authors report the content of these personality dimensions and interpret them as follows: (a) a variant of Extraversion, defined by sociability and liveliness (though not by bravery and toughness); (b) a variant of Agreeableness, defined by gentleness, patience, and agreeableness (but also including anger and ill temper at its negative pole); (c) Conscientiousness (emphasizing organization and discipline rather than moral conscience); (d) Emotionality (containing anxiety, vulnerability, sentimentality, lack of bravery, and lack of toughness, but not anger or ill temper); (e) Honesty-Humility; (f) Intellect/Imagination/Unconventionality. A potential reorganization of the Big Five factor structure is discussed.
The implicit structure of positive character traits was examined in two studies of 190 and 100 undergraduates. Participants judged the pairwise covariation or semantic similarity of 42 positive characteristics using a sorting or a rating task. Characteristics were drawn from a new classification of strengths and virtues, the Five-Factor Model, and a taxonomy of values. Participants showed consistent patterns of perceived association among the characteristics across the study conditions. Multidimensional scaling yielded three consistent dimensions underlying these judgments ("warmth vs. self-control," "vivacity vs. decency," and "wisdom vs. power"). Cluster analyses yielded six consistent groupings-"self-control," "love," "wisdom," "drive," "vivacity," and "collaboration"-that corresponded only moderately to the virtue classification. All three taxonomies were systematically related to this implicit structure, but none captured it satisfactorily on its own. Revisions to positive psychology's classification of strengths are proposed.
Increasing evidence indicates that normal and abnormal personality can be treated within a single structural framework. However, identification of a single integrated structure of normal and abnormal personality has remained elusive. Here, a constructive replication approach was used to delineate an integrative hierarchical account of the structure of normal and abnormal personality. This hierarchical structure, which integrates many Big Trait models proposed in the literature, replicated across a meta-analysis as well as an empirical study, and across samples of participants as well as measures. The proposed structure resembles previously suggested accounts of personality hierarchy and provides insight into the nature of personality hierarchy more generally. Potential directions for future research on personality and psychopathology are discussed.
Positive psychology has flourished in the last 5 years. The authors review recent developments in the field, including books, meetings, courses, and conferences. They also discuss the newly created classification of character strengths and virtues, a positive complement to the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (e. g., American Psychiatric Association, 1994), and present some cross-cultural findings that suggest a surprising ubiquity of strengths and virtues. Finally, the authors focus on psychological interventions that increase individual happiness. In a 6-group, random-assignment, placebo-controlled Internet study, the authors tested 5 purported happiness interventions and 1 plausible control exercise. They found that 3 of the interventions lastingly increased happiness and decreased depressive symptoms. Positive interventions can supplement traditional interventions that relieve suffering and may someday be the practical legacy of positive psychology.
Structural validity has long been regarded as critical to psychological measurement. However, in practical application, issues central to structural validity are often neglected. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the importance of several crucial choices that face researchers attempting to evaluate the structure of data from a given scale. In this study, I compared the structural solutions derived via principal components analysis and principal axis factoring using eigenvalues, scree plots, and traditional parallel analyses with data from the Purpose in Life Test (Crumbaugh & Maholick, 1964). I discuss the importance of structural validity for overall construct validity and the importance of carefully considering factor analytic methodology. I provide recommendations for uses of factor analysis.
The Minnesota Twin Registry is a birth-record-based twin registry. Begun in 1983, it includes data for 4307 surviving intact pairs born in Minnesota between 1936 and 1955. In addition, the Registry includes 901 twin pairs born in Minnesota from 1904 to 1934, as well as 391 male pairs born in Minnesota from 1961 to 1964. The research focus is primarily on human individual differences assessed by self-report. Questionnaires completed by the participants include measures of personality, occupational interests, demographics, and leisure-time activities. We outline major contributions that have resulted from Registry research, as well as current and future research directions.
The Values in Action Classification of StrengthsAssessment of the Via StrengthsThe Via Inventory of StrengthsImplications for PracticeConclusion
Exploring personality through test construction: Development of the multidimensional personality questionnaire Construction of a self-report personality inventory can be a straightforward undertaking. We may take a ‘rational’ or ‘deductive’ approach (Burisch, 1984) and begin by formulating a construct from which to ‘deduce’ basic descriptors — in our case a set of construct-based self-report items. We might even draw on already developed constructs and start writing items immediately; Murray's (1938) carefully elaborated motivational trait constructs have served that function several times. Once enough items have been generated, scale construction, if purely deductive, is complete. A deductive orientation does not rule out the use of data to improve one's initial scales. Data-based deletion or addition of items can increase the internal consistency of a deductive scale. If our objective is to create a multi-scale inventory, we can also empirically enhance scale distinctiveness and independence. But even if deductive scale construction includes extensive ...
A virtue is defined as any psychological process that enables a person to think and act so as to benefit both him- or herself and society. Character is a higher-order construct reflecting the possession of several of the component virtues. The process by which the topics of virtue and character fell out of favor in psychology is reviewed, with a call for a rebirth of interest in these concepts in the interface of clinical, counseling, social, and personality psychology.
We investigated the relationship between various character strengths and life satisfaction among 5,299 adults from three Internet samples using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths. Consistently and robustly associated with life satisfaction were hope, zest, gratitude, love, and curiosity. Only weakly associated with life satisfaction, in contrast, were modesty and the intellectual strengths of appreciation of beauty, creativity, judgment, and love of learning. In general, the relationship between character strengths and life satisfaction was monotonic, indicating that excess on any one character strength does not diminish life satisfaction.
Comments on the book Man For Himself by Erich Fromm (see record 1948-01441-000 ). hose who enjoyed the provocative manipulation of psychological concepts in Escape from Freedom no doubt will be further rewarded by Fromm's continued exploration of contemporary character-structure, but they will find little, to enlighten them on ethical theory and practice. Fromm's book is an ambitious attempt to synthesize psychoanalysis and ethics by grounding the norms of the latter in the integrated personality. The ethical agent is characterized by a “productive orientation” which permits him to realize his constructive potentialities in thought, work, and love. One of the defects of the book is the absence of any specific societal program which can affect the integrated personality. Another defect lies in a dereliction which the author shares, with all other humanists and naturalists who have dealt with ethics; i.e., the lack of emphasis upon the implicit moral character of the sciences themselves. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)
In a web-based study of 117,676 adults from 54 nations and all 50 US states, we investigated the relative prevalence of 24 different strengths of character. The most commonly-endorsed strengths in the USA were kindness, fairness, honesty, gratitude, and judgment, and the lesser strengths included prudence, modesty, and self-regulation. The profile of character strengths in the USA converged with profiles based on respondents from each of the other nations. Except for religiousness, comparisons within the US sample showed no differences as a function of state or geographical region. Our results may reveal something about universal human nature and/or the character requirements minimally needed for a viable society.
The structure of virtue was investigated through the development and construct validation of the Virtues Scale (VS), a 140-item self-report measure of virtues. A factor analysis of responses from 390 participants revealed four factors: Empathy, Order, Resourcefulness, and Serenity. Four virtue subscales constructed from the highest loading items on each factor were correlated with the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) scales in two additional samples (ns=181 and 143). One of these samples also completed the DIT measure of Kohlbergian moral development. Meaningful, replicated correlations between the virtue subscales and personality scales and complete lack of relationships between the virtues scales and the DIT indicate that virtue is a function of personality rather than moral reasoning and cognitive development. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA-Youth) of Park and Peterson (2006) in a total multi-cultural group of South African learners aged 13 to 17 years (N=1691: male = 703, female = 988). Descriptive statistics, reliability coefficients and correlations were calculated, and confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed. Acceptable reliability coefficients were obtained for most of the strengths subscales. Criterion-related validity was supported by correlations in expected directions between VIA-Youth subscales and indices of psychological well-being and pathology. Exploration of construct validity by testing of structural equation models and confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses suggested that the VIA-Youth is more homogeneous or uni-dimensional than multi-dimensional. Findings did not support the theoretically hypothesized six virtue-cluster model of character strengths.
M. Seligman (1999) has called for the development of a positive psychology that explores and cultivates human strengths and virtues. It is argued here that virtue represents an important and challenging construct with the potential to integrative numerous areas of positive psychology science and practice. The construct of virtue will be defined by engaging the moral philosophy of virtue ethics, and contemporary literatures on virtue in psychology will be briefly reviewed. Affirmative postmodern contributions and challenges to a positive psychology of virtue will be discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Moral psychology is a rapidly growing field with two principle lineages. The main line began with Jean Piaget and includes developmental psychologists who have studied the acquisition of moral concepts and reasoning. The alternative line began in the 1990s with a new synthesis of evolutionary, neurological, and social-psychological research in which the central phenomena are moral emotions and intuitions. In this essay, I show how both of these lines have been shaped by an older debate between two 19th century narratives about modernity: one celebrating the liberation of individuals, the other mourning the loss of community and moral authority. I suggest that both lines of moral psychology have limited themselves to the moral domain prescribed by the liberation narrative, and so one future step for moral psychology should be to study alternative moral perspectives, particularly religious and politically conservative ones in which morality is, in part, about protecting groups, institutions, and souls.
© 2008 Association for Psychological Science.
It is suggested that what is needed in personality research is a paradigm which would give rise to coordinated research work (“normal science”) directed in part at the elimination or clarification of anomalies. Several such paradigms have in fact been suggested, so that clearly what is needed is a set of criteria to decide between them. Several such criteria are put forward, and an attempt is made to apply them to three major systems, namely Cattell's 16 PF, the Norman “big 5”, and the Eysenck PEN system. It is suggested that if agreement could be reached on these criteria, we might be able to approach agreement on the substantive issue of what are the major dimensions of personality.
A simple method is presented for examining the hierarchical structure of a set of variables, based on factor scores from rotated solutions involving one to many factors. The correlations among orthogonal factor scores from adjoining levels can be viewed as path coefficients in a hierarchical structure. The method is easily implemented using any of a wide variety of standard computer programs, and it has proved to be extremely useful in a number of diverse applications, some of which are here described.
Virtually all human individual differences have been shown to be moderately heritable. Much of this research, however, focuses on measures of dysfunctional behavior and relatively fewer studies have focused on positive traits. The values in action (VIA) project is a comprehensive and ambitious classification of 24 positive traits, also known as character strengths (Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association), the majority of which have received no behavior genetic attention. Using a sample of 336 middle-aged twins drawn from the Minnesota Twin Registry who completed the VIA inventory of strengths, we detected significant genetic and non-shared environmental effects for 21 of 24 character strengths with little evidence of shared environmental contributions. Associations with a previously administered measure of normal personality found moderate phenotypic overlap and that genetic influences on personality traits could account for most, but not all, of the heritable variance in character strengths.
The structure of the English personality lexicon was investigated using self-ratings (N = 310) on a set of 1,710 personality-trait adjectives. The 5-factor solution resembled the Big Five structure, but included rotational variants of Agreeableness and Emotional Stability similar to those of other languages. In the 6-factor solution an additional factor, defined by terms such as unpretentious versus sly, resembled an Honesty-Humility factor observed in other languages. The 6-factor solution also produced an especially clear 5th factor, defined by Intellect, Imagination, and Unconventionality content. The hierarchical emergence of factors from 1 to 7 was explored, and the 7-factor solution yielded a Religiosity factor, adding to the diverse array of 7th factors observed in other languages.
Character refers to qualities within individuals that lead them to desire and to pursue the good. We propose that strengths of character are a neglected but critically important resource for organizations. Character matters because it leads people to do the right thing, and the right thing can be productive and profitable. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Peer Reviewed http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/55841/1/398_ftp.pdf
Many clinical and social psychologists need to develop scales to carry out their research. Without adequate training in psychometric methods, they can easily run into difficulty. This article is designed to address some of the more common pitfalls in homogeneous scale construction. Empirical scale development by the criterion-group method is not considered. Suggestions are offered about item writing, answer scale formats, data analysis procedures, and overall scale development strategy. Particular emphasis is placed on the effective use of factor-analytic methods to select items for the scale and to determine its proper location in the hierarchy of factor constructs.
By examining naturalistic conceptions of moral maturity, this project sought a more comprehensive understanding of moral excellence than is evident in dominant theories of moral development. Studies 1 and 2 involved different samples of 120 adults (17-25, 35-55, and 65+ years). Study 3 involved a sample of 180 undergraduates. In Study 1, a free-listing procedure was used to generate the attributes of a highly moral person as well as those for two related person-concepts. In Study 2, a rating procedure for these attributes was used to generate a prototype of the moral person-concept. In Study 3, a similarity-sorting task was used to uncover people's implicit typology of moral maturity. The findings indicate that naturalistic notions of moral excellence not only contain themes of principled reasoning but also reference aspects of moral character and virtue that enlarge our understanding of the psychological functioning of the mature moral agent.
This article reviews methodological issues that arise in the application of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to scale revision and refinement. The authors begin by discussing how the appropriate use of EFA in scale revision is influenced by both the hierarchical nature of psychological constructs and the motivations underlying the revision. Then they specifically address (a) important issues that arise prior to data collection (e.g., selecting an appropriate sample), (b) technical aspects of factor analysis (e.g., determining the number of factors to retain), and (c) procedures used to evaluate the outcome of the scale revision (e.g., determining whether the new measure functions equivalently for different populations).
The relationship between altruism and antisocial behavior has received limited attention because altruism and antisocial behavior tend to be studied and discussed in distinct literatures. Our research bridges these literatures by focusing on three fundamental questions. First, are altruism and antisocial behavior opposite ends of a single dimension, or can they coexist in the same individual? Second, do altruism and antisocial behavior have the same or distinct etiologies? Third, do they stem from the same or from distinct aspects of a person's personality? Our findings indicate that altruism and antisocial behavior are uncorrelated tendencies stemming from different sources. Whereas altruism was linked primarily to shared (i.e., familial) environments, unique (i.e., nonfamilial) environments, and personality traits reflecting positive emotionality, antisocial behavior was linked primarily to genes, unique environments, and personality traits reflecting negative emotionality and a lack of constraint.
The Minnesota Twin Registry is a birth-record-based twin registry. Begun in 1983, it includes data for 4307 surviving intact pairs born in Minnesota between 1936 and 1955. In addition, the Registry includes 901 twin pairs born in Minnesota from 1904 to 1934, as well as 391 male pairs born in Minnesota from 1961 to 1964. The research focus is primarily on human individual differences assessed by self-report. Questionnaires completed by the participants include measures of personality, occupational interests, demographics, and leisure-time activities. We outline major contributions that have resulted from Registry research, as well as current and future research directions.
Moral competence among adolescents can be approached in terms of good character. Character is a multidimensional construct comprised of a family of positive traits manifest in an individual's thoughts, emotions and behaviours. The Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA-Youth) is a self-report questionnaire suitable for adolescents that measures 24 widely valued strength of character. Data from several samples bearing on the internal consistency, stability, and validity of the VIA-Youth are described, along with what is known about the prevalence and demographic correlates of the character strengths it measures. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an interpretable four-factor structure of the VIA-Youth subscales: temperance strengths (e.g., prudence, self-regulation), intellectual strengths (e.g., love of learning, curiosity), theological strengths (e.g., hope, religiousness, love), and other-directed (interpersonal) strengths (e.g., kindness, modesty). The uses of the VIA-Youth in research and practise are discussed along with directions for future research.
How are strengths of character related to growth following trauma? A retrospective Web-based study of 1,739 adults found small, but positive associations among the number of potentially traumatic events experienced and a number of cognitive and interpersonal character strengths. It was concluded that growth following trauma may entail the strengthening of character.
Strengths of character and post-traumatic growth
- C Peterson
- N Park
- N Pole
- W Andrea
- M E P Seligman
Peterson, C., Park, N., Pole, N., D'Andrea, W., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2008). Strengths of character and post-traumatic growth. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21, 214–217.
The values in action inventory of character strengths for youth What do children need to flourish: Conceptualizing and measuring indicators of positive development
- N Park
- C Peterson
Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). The values in action inventory of character strengths for youth. In K. A. Moore & L. H. Lippman (Eds.), What do children need to flourish: Conceptualizing and measuring indicators of positive development (pp. 13–23).
Factor analysis Handbook of psychology: Research methods in psychology
- R L Gorsuch
Gorsuch, R. L. (2003). Factor analysis. In J. A. Schinka & W. F. Velicer (Eds.). Handbook of psychology: Research methods in psychology (Vol. 2, pp. 143–164).
Is virtue more than its own reward?
- K Dahlsgaard
Dahlsgaard, K. (2005). Is virtue more than its own reward? Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 66(6-B) (UMI No. AAI3179723).
- J Haidt
Haidt, J. (2008). Morality. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3, 65–72.
Strengths of character and post-traumatic growth
- Peterson