This groundbreaking handbook of human strengths and virtues is the first progress report from a prestigious group of researchers in the Values in Action Classification Project, which has undertaken a systematic classification and measurement of universal strengths and virtues. This landmark work makes possible for the first time a science of human strengths that goes beyond armchair philosophy and political science. The handbook begins with the background of the VIA classification scheme and defines terms before describing in thorough detail the current state of knowledge with respect to each of the 24 character strengths in the classification. Addressing issues of assessment and measurement, practical applications, and directions for future research, this work will demand the attention of any psychologist who is interested in positive psychology and its relevance to clinical, personality, and social psychology.

Table of Contents

PART 1: BACKGROUND; 1. Introduction to a "Manual of the Sanities"; 2. Universal Virtues? - Lessons from History; 3. Previous Classifications of Character Strengths; PART 2: STRENGTHS OF CHARACTER; Strengths of Wisdom and Knowledge; 4. Creativity [Originality, Ingenuity]; 5. Curiosity [Interest, Novelty-Seeking, Openness to Experience]; 6. Open-Mindedness [Judgement, Critical Thinking]; 7. Love of Learning; 8. Perspective [Wisdom]; Strengths of Courage; 9. Bravery [Valor]; 10. Persistence [Perseverance, Industriousness]; 11. Integrity [Authenticity, Honesty]; 12. Vitality [Zest, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Energy]; Strengths of Humanity; 13. Love; 14. Kindness [Generosity, Nurturance, Care, Compassion, Altruistic Love, "Niceness"]; 15. Social Intelligence [Emotional Intelligence, Personal Intelligence]; Strengths of Justice; 16. Citizenship [Social Responsibility, Loyalty, Teamwork]; 17. Fairness; 18. Leadership; Strengths of Temperance; 19. Forgiveness and Mercy; 20. Modesty and Humility; 21. Prudence; 22. Self-Regulation [Self-Control]; Strengths of Transcendence; 23. Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence [Awe, Wonder, Elevation]; 24. Gratitude; 25. Hope [Optimism, Future-Mindedness, Future Orientation]; 26. Humor [Playfulness]; 27. Spirituality [Religiousness, Faith, Purpose]; PART 3: CONCLUSIONS; 28. Assessment and Applications

Reviews

"Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above, especially those interested in positive psychology." --Choice

"Peterson and Seligman's Character Strengths and Virtues adds a needed balance to the psychological literature. Topics such as character and virtue have too long been only in the domains of moral philosophy and politics. This work provides a needed psychological foundation for studying some of the attributes that are most important to a world that is foundering on the shoals of wars, terrorism, and atrocities. I recommend the book very highly."-Robert J. Sternberg, IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Yale University; Director, Center for the Psychology of Abilities, Competencies, andExpertise (PACE Center), Yale University; Past President, American Psychological Association

"Peterson and Seligman's endeavor to focus on human strengths and virtues is one of the most important initiatives in psychology of the past half century. I am pleased to have had