Character Strengths and Virtues

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

From The Publisher:

"Character" has become a front-and-center topic in contemporary discourse, but this term does not have a fixed meaning. Character may be simply defined by what someone does not do, but a more active and thorough definition is necessary, one that addresses certain vital questions. Is character
a singular characteristic of an individual, or is it composed of different aspects? Does character--however we define it--exist in degrees, or is it simply something one happens to have? How can character be developed? Can it be learned? Relatedly, can it be taught, and who might be the most
effective teacher? What roles are played by family, schools, the media, religion, and the larger culture? This groundbreaking handbook of character strengths and virtues is the first progress report from a prestigious group of researchers who have undertaken the systematic classification and
measurement of widely valued positive traits. They approach good character in terms of separate strengths-authenticity, persistence, kindness, gratitude, hope, humor, and so on-each of which exists in degrees.
Character Strengths and Virtues classifies twenty-four specific strengths under six broad virtues that consistently emerge across history and culture: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. Each strength is thoroughly examined in its own chapter, with special attention to
its meaning, explanation, measurement, causes, correlates, consequences, and development across the life span, as well as to strategies for its deliberate cultivation. This book demands the attention of anyone interested in psychology and what it can teach about the good life.