“Psychology is not just the study of weakness and damage, it is also the study of strength and virtue. Treatment is not just fixing what is broken, it is nurturing what is best within ourselves”
– Martin Seligman, The Father of Positive Psychology
Character Strengths and Virtues (CSV) is a framework and a groundbreaking handbook in positive psychology that identifies and classifies positive traits of individuals. It was developed by psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. Unlike the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which focuses on pathology, negative traits, and mental disorders. CSV aims to highlight the positive aspects of human character and behavior.
Character Strengths are the positive traits of our personality that enable us to thrive and lead a meaningful life. They are the core and the building blocks of who we are, influencing the way we think, act, feel, and represent what we value in ourselves and others. Examples of character strengths include kindness, honesty, bravery, perseverance, and gratitude.
Virtues are the broader moral values that encompass multiple character strengths. They are the core universal characteristics and principles that guide a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions emphasized by philosophers and religious leaders.
In positive psychology, the study of character strengths and virtues aims to identify and promote these positive qualities to help individuals cultivate their strengths, enhance their well-being, and lead more fulfilling lives.
The VIA (Value In Action) Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues
Psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman developed the VIA (Value In Action) Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues, a framework that identifies and categorizes 24 character strengths that are considered universal across cultures and time.
The 24-character strengths are divided into six classes of virtues:
Wisdom: This virtue involves strengths related to the acquisition and use of knowledge. The character strengths under wisdom are:
- Creativity: Original and novel thinking of ways to do things.
- Curiosity: Exploring, openness to new experiences, and a variety of topics.
- Open-mindedness: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions.
- Love of learning: Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge.
- Perspective: Being able to provide wise counsel to others.
Courage: It involves the emotional strength to achieve our goals by overcoming fear and internal or external opposition. The character strengths under courage are:
- Bravery: Not shrinking from threat or challenge, speaking up for what is right even if there is opposition.
- Perseverance: Finishing what one starts; persevering in a course of action despite obstacles.
- Honesty: Speaking the truth and being without pretense.
- Zest: Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or half-heartedly.
Humanity: It involves interpersonal strengths with an inclination towards forming connections with others. The character strengths under humanity are:
- Love: Valuing close relationships with others.
- Kindness: Doing good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.
- Social Intelligence: Being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself.
Justice: It involves strengths that promote fair and equitable behavior in society. The character strengths under justice are:
- Teamwork: Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group.
- Fairness: Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice.
- Leadership: Encouraging the group; organizing group activities and seeing that they happen.
Temperance: It involves strengths that protect against excess and in control of our behaviors and instincts. The character strengths under temperance are:
- Forgiveness: Forgiving; accepting the shortcomings of others; not being vengeful.
- Modesty: Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is.
- Prudence: Being careful about one’s choices; and not taking undue risks.
- Self-regulation: Being disciplined; controlling one’s impulses and emotions.
Transcendence: It involves strengths that connect us to the larger universe and provide meaning. The character strengths under transcendence are:
- Appreciation of Beauty: Noticing and appreciating beauty and excellence, in various domains of life, from nature to art, etc.
- Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen.
- Hope: Optimism, positive future-mindedness, expecting the best & and working to achieve it.
- Humor: Liking to laugh; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side.
- Spirituality: Having beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of life.
Conclusion:
Every human being possesses each of the 24-character strengths. However, some strengths are more dominant than others. These are called Signature Strengths. Research in positive psychology suggests that using your signature strengths can lead to increased happiness, life satisfaction, and overall well-being. When you engage in activities that allow you to utilize these strengths, you are more likely to experience a sense of fulfillment and meaning in your life.
The VIA Classification is used in positive psychology to help individuals identify their signature strengths and cultivate them to enhance well-being and lead a more fulfilling life. It is also used in various fields such as education, counseling, and personal development to promote positive traits and virtues.
Blog By : DEEBHA SITHTA
