Character strengths — as classified by positive psychology — are a family of positive traits expressed through a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are universally recognized for the strength that they create in individuals and communities. Making children aware that every one of them has all 24
character strengths, provides the foundation for genuine self-confidence grounded in self-awareness. At the same time, it helps children better understand why everyone is different and how to appreciate those differences. Unlike our height, weight, or skin color, character strengths aren’t something that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Therefore, understanding and valuing them — especially in other people — requires a framework of consistent reflection and discussion. By consistently teaching our youth about the character strengths that everyone possesses, they will see people based on the content of their character. This ability will enhance their self-awareness and self-confidence, understanding and
appreciation of others, and interpersonal relationships – which will positively influence our youth (individually and collectively) across their lifespans. Ranging from bravery and creativity to integrity and gratitude, positive psychology’s 24 character
strengths are the foundation of The Positivity Project’s model. Dr. Chris Peterson, one of the founders of positive psychology, led a research team over a three-year period to better understand character and its manifestations. Alongside Dr. Martin Seligman, Dr. Peterson then wrote Character Strengths and Virtues. The research in this book explains:
Character strengths aren’t about ignoring the negative. Instead, they help us overcome life’s inevitable adversities. For example, you can’t be brave without first feeling fear; you can’t show perseverance without first wanting to quit; you can’t show self-control without first being tempted to do something you know you shouldn’t. What is Character?Character is more than simply individual achievement. It’s the intersection of our thoughts, our feelings, and our behaviors. Character is the aggregate of who we are; it’s “what’s inside every one of us.” Character is not fixed; it can be grown. This is very similar to Dr. Carol Dweck’s growth mindset. Dweck’s theory explains that some people think their abilities are fixed and that any failure is a confirmation of their limits. While other people believe that they can grow their abilities and that failure is just a stepping stone to improvement. Well, character works the same way. And, there is no endpoint to developing your character. It’s a lifelong endeavor for every single one of us. Difference Between Character Strengths and ValuesAre character strengths the same as values? Not necessarily. As Dr. Peterson explains in A Primer in Positive Psychology, “Values are beliefs held by individuals and shared by groups about desirable ends…they guide how we select actions and evaluate others and ourselves; and they are ordered by their relative importance.” Individuals can use their character strengths to move towards their specific values. For example, the core values of the United States Military Academy at West Point are Duty, Honor, Country. Cadets will use their individual character strengths — such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-control — to move towards those values. As General MacArthur explained to cadets in 1962, “Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.” What Is Positive Psychology?Positive psychology is a rigorous academic field that encompasses character strengths, positive relationships, positive experiences, and positive institutions. It is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living – and maintains that what is good in life is as genuine as what is bad. Although positive psychology focuses on what goes right in life, it doesn’t ignore what goes wrong. As Drs. Peterson and Seligman wrote in Character Strengths and Virtues, “There is a temptation to regard positive psychology as focusing on the stress-free individual, but this is a mistake… In accentuating the positive, we cannot ignore the negative. Conditions of adversity, whether external or internal, must be part of what we address in discussing character strengths.” Positive Psychology’s Six VirtuesVirtues are core aspects of human excellence that allow us to survive and thrive. Researchers found six core virtues to be ubiquitous across cultures. The 24 character strengths are organized under the six virtues of: wisdom and knowledge; humanity; justice; courage; temperance; and transcendence.
Positive Psychology’s 24 Character StrengthsCharacter Strength DefinitionsAppreciation of Beauty & Excellence Example Bravery Example Creativity Example Curiosity Example Enthusiasm Example Fairness Example Forgiveness Example Gratitude Example Humility Example Humor Example Integrity Example Kindness Example Leadership Example Love Example Love of Learning Example Open-Mindedness Example Optimism Example Perseverance Example Perspective Example Prudence Example Purpose Example Self-Control Example Social Intelligence Example Teamwork Example P2 Character Cards (1-Page Overviews)P2 Character Cards are a completely open (public) resource. They provide a 1-page, detailed look at each character strength. These are available as weblinks and as PDF downloads from our searchable/sortable Resource Library. You can directly link any of these cards right into Google Classroom or send home links directly. Many P2 teachers use these cards regularly in the classroom, and we can’t overstate the value that we see in Partner Schools sending these home with students and parents. Perseverance Character Card Want to see how The Positivity Project would fit into your school?Test drive our resources with a free 7-day trial. 7-Day Trial Which of the following represents the six virtues listed on the via is?These authors generated the list of six virtues that was incorporated into the VIA Classification: wisdom and knowledge, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence.
Which of the following are core virtues identified by positive psychology?Positive Psychology's Six Virtues
Researchers found six core virtues to be ubiquitous across cultures. The 24 character strengths are organized under the six virtues of: wisdom and knowledge; humanity; justice; courage; temperance; and transcendence.
Which of the following field of psychology deals with the strength and virtue of an individual?“Positive psychology is the scientific study of human strengths and virtues.”
Which school studies topics such as happiness Love hope Optimism life satisfaction goal setting leisure and subjective wellPositive psychology is the science and study of life's positive qualities — well-being, happiness, satisfaction, and the ability to thrive in our day-to-day lives. The field studies what goes into building a life of purpose, rich with meaning that allows the individual to flourish.
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