Character strengths are the means that one may employ to exhibit a particular virtue. While each of these
strengths requires the acquisition and use of knowledge, and are intimately (though not exclusively) connected
with a particular virtue, they are distinct from one another. Twenty-four strengths were identified from extensive
cross-cultural and historical investigations, and repeated reductions of larger trait lists. However, not all the char-
acter strengths listed are morally relevant (e.g., zest and open-mindedness).
Sample
A web-based version of the 240-item Values in Action Questionnaire (VIA Survey-240) was taken by more
than 150,000 people, as reported by Peterson and Seligman (2004) . The vast majority of the sample (85%) was
American, with most of the remaining 15% coming from English speaking countries. The sample was two-thirds
women, and racially, ‘approximates that of the country as a whole’ ( Peterson & Seligman, 2004 , p. 628). The aver-
age participant was 35 years, married, employed, and had completed some education post-high school ( Peterson
& Seligman, 2004 ). A 72-item version of the Values in Action Questionnaire (VIA Survey-72), with three items
per strength, has also been developed.
Reliability
Internal Consistency
All strength dimensions on the VIA Survey-240 exhibited Cronbach alpha coefficients exceeding .70 ( Peterson
& Seligman, 2004 , p. 631). This was also the case for the VIA Survey-72, with the exception of fairness, kindness
and leadership, which exhibited alpha coefficients ranging from .60 to .87 (Mdn 5.74) ( www.viacharacter.org/
www/en-us/research/24alphas72itemssurvey.aspx )/C0(Retrieved January 12, 2014).
Test/C0Retest
The test /C0retest correlations, across a 4-month period, were found to be greater than .70 ( Peterson & Seligman,
2004, p. 631).
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
Peterson and Seligman (2004) reported that self-nominations of strengths correlated positively ( r5.50) with
the matching scale scores for all 24 strengths. Additionally, ‘other’ nomination of strengths (by friends or family
members) correlated modestly with the matching scale scores for most of the 24 strengths. Noftle, Schnitker, and
Robins (2010) found that most VIA character strengths were moderately related to at least one Big Five facet on
the NEO-PI-R. Each character trait facet correlated at least .27, with the largest facet correlate reaching .63.
Divergent/Discriminant
Limited information on the discriminant and divergent validity on the VIA scales is available, apart from sum-
maries provided at www.viacharacter.org website which reports that the VIA scores did not correlate signifi-
cantly with the Marlow /C0Crowne social desirability scores, with the exception of Prudence ( r5.44) and
Spirituality ( r5.30). While few differences were observed across ethnicities, African-Americans exhibited higher
Spirituality scores. Interestingly, participants recovering from physical or psychological problems scored more
highly on Appreciation of Beauty, Gratitude, and Hope ( Peterson & Seligman, 2004 ).TABLE 18.3 Criteria for Inclusion as Character Strength
(Peterson & Seligman, 2004 )
1.Ubiquity /C0is widely recognized across cultures
2.Morally valued /C0is valued in its own right
3.Does not diminish others /C0elevates those who witness it
4.Traitlike /C0is an individual difference with generality and stability
5.Measurable /C0has been measured as an individual difference
6.Distinctiveness /C0isnotredundant (conceptually or empirically)
7.Paragons /C0is strikingly embodied in some individuals
8.Prodigies /C0is precociously shown by some children or youth
9.Idiots/C0is missing altogether in some individuals
10.Institutions /C0societal practices and rituals that try to cultivate it522 18. MEASURES OF VALUES AND MORAL PERSONALITY
V. VICES AND VIRTUES