Character strengths — discover your 24 strengths according to the VIA classification

What is positive psychology?

For most of its history, psychology focused on disorders and deficits — on what is wrong with people. At the turn of the millennium, Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi proposed a new direction: positive psychology — the science of what makes life worth living.

One of the foundations of this approach is the VIA Classification of Character Strengths (VIA — Values in Action), developed by Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson in 2004.

24 Strengths and 6 Virtues

VIA groups the 24 strengths into 6 overarching virtues:

Wisdom

1. Creativity — original thinking, finding new solutions
2. Curiosity — interest in the world, openness to new experiences
3. Critical thinking — objective analysis of the facts
4. Love of learning — deep commitment to gaining knowledge
5. Perspective — life wisdom, the ability to advise others

Courage

1. Bravery — not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it
2. Perseverance — finishing what you start
3. Authenticity — telling the truth, living in line with your values
4. Zest — vitality, energy for life

Humanity

1. Love — the capacity for deep, mutual relationships
2. Kindness — generosity, caring for others
3. Social intelligence — understanding other people's motives and emotions

Justice

1. Teamwork — loyalty, cooperation
2. Fairness — treating everyone equally
3. Leadership — organising and motivating a group

Temperance

1. Forgiveness — giving a second chance, not seeking revenge
2. Humility — modesty, not overrating yourself
3. Prudence — caution, avoiding unnecessary risk
4. Self-regulation — control over impulses and emotions

Transcendence

1. Appreciation of beauty — awe at beauty and excellence
2. Gratitude — noticing and expressing appreciation for the good
3. Hope — optimism, expecting the best
4. Humour — joy, laughter, seeing the funny side
5. Spirituality — beliefs about a higher meaning and purpose in life

Signature Strengths

Of the 24 strengths, each person usually has 3–7 "signature strengths" — the ones that feel authentic and natural to us, that give us energy and that we enjoy using.

Seligman's research shows that using your signature strengths in a new way every day for a week significantly increases happiness and reduces symptoms of depression — and the effect lasts for 6 months.

How to use your strengths?

At work

Match tasks to your strengths. If your strength is creativity, look for ways to innovate, even in a routine role. If it's leadership, volunteer to lead projects.

In relationships

Talk with your partner about each other's strengths. Couples who actively appreciate each other's virtues report higher relationship satisfaction.

In difficult times

Strengths are a source of resilience. In a crisis, ask yourself: "Which of my strengths can I use in this situation?"

VIA vs Big Five

VIA describes values and virtues — what we do because we believe it is right and good. The Big Five describes temperament — natural behavioural tendencies. The two models complement each other and together give a fuller picture of personality.