What Are Character Strengths & Virtues?

Key Insights

13 minute read
  • Character strengths help us flourish by offering a scientific framework for growth & resilience.
  • Using your top strengths boosts wellbeing, performance & authenticity.
  • Practitioners can apply simple, evidence-based tools to help clients grow through their strengths.

Character strengths classificationAs a psychologist interested in exploring what drives human potential, I regularly return to one key insight: Our character strengths shape who we are and how we flourish (Niemiec, 2018).

One of my top strengths is curiosity. It has fueled my journey to understand why some people are their best selves even after navigating their most demanding challenges. I’ve also thought about what differentiates those who find meaning and fulfillment in their lives from those who feel stuck.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind such character strengths, how they manifest themselves in our daily lives, and how we can harness them in our careers, relationships, and personal development.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Strengths Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help your clients realize their unique potential and create a life that feels energizing and authentic.

The Role of Character Strengths and Virtues in Positive Psychology

Positive psychology encourages us and our clients to build a life of flourishing and fulfillment. It recognizes that to do so, we must invest time and energy into our “subjective, psychological, and social wellbeing, our strengths, and a meaningful life” (Ivtzan et al., 2016, p. 175).

But how does investing time in our character strengths and virtues create a flourishing life?

Each of us has positive strengths (i.e., virtues). They go beyond traditional views that identify individuals as simply good, bad, virtuous, or lacking in moral character.

Positive psychology recognizes and adopts a more complex, nuanced view. Our signature strengths, aka character strengths, help us face discomfort, thrive in the face of challenges, and increase the chance of positive outcomes by being the best version of ourselves, without needing to mimic others (Niemiec, 2018; Rath, 2017).

“Character strengths don’t operate in isolation from settings; rather, they are shaped by the context we are in” (Niemiec, 2018, p. 7). Our environment can influence how our strengths are expressed and whether we feel safe or encouraged to use them.

The degree to which we employ our strengths also varies. For example, we might express fairness in the workplace when navigating team decisions, show kindness at home when supporting our children, and offer gratitude in our close relationships. In each setting, different strengths may feel more natural or appropriate, reflecting our personality and the social cues around us (Niemiec, 2018).

Our character strengths and virtues have consequences, shaping our happiness, workplace success, academic achievement, and the closeness of our relationships. Research suggests that knowing and using our signature strengths can create a sense of ownership and authenticity and boost joy, enthusiasm, and zest for our actions and how we live our lives (Seligman, 2011; Niemiec, 2018).

A universal language that describes what's best in us

In the TEDx Talk “A Universal Language That Describes What’s Best in Us,” Ryan Niemiec explores the importance of identifying and knowing how to use our strengths to be our best selves and live flourishing lives.

In the following video, the VIA Institute on Character explores “Positive Education With Character Strengths” by examining the potential of strengths-based interventions to positively influence and support children’s education.

Positive education with character strengths - VIAStrengths

A Breakdown of the VIA Classification of Character Strengths

Character strengths and virtues influence how we think, act, and feel. They also represent what we value in ourselves and others. When we draw on our strengths, research shows we may positively impact others, improve our relationships, and enhance our wellbeing and happiness (Niemiec, 2018).

So, how do we identify our strengths?

The VIA Survey is one of several validated tools that can help us become more aware of our virtues and character strengths, explore them, and apply them in a balanced way (Niemiec, 2018).

The report lists all 24 character strengths for an individual, from highest to lowest — we all have each of these strengths to some degree.

It is essential to note that strengths are not talents, like being good at tennis, or skills, such as being a good presenter. Instead, Niemiec (2018, p. 2) one of the foremost researchers in the field, defines our strengths as “positive traits/capacities that are personally fulfilling, do not diminish others, are ubiquitous and valued across cultures, and are aligned with numerous positive outcomes for oneself and others.”

As we will see in the following diagram and definitions, the 24 strengths are grouped under six virtues (Niemiec, 2018; Peterson & Seligman, 2004).

  • Wisdom: “Strengths of wisdom and knowledge include positive traits related to the acquisition and use of information in the service of the good life” (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p. 95).
    • Creativity: Able to identify novel approaches and be open to new experiences
    • Curiosity: Finding objects, subjects, and events fascinating, combined with a desire for challenge
    • Judgment: Critical thinking and being adept at solving problems
    • Love of learning: Willing to master new skills and bodies of knowledge
    • Perspective: Offering wise counsel, open-mindedness, and even-temperedness
  • Courage: These are strengths that capture the drive or will to take on and accomplish goals in the face of obstacles and challenges.
    • Bravery: Speaking up in defense of others and not hiding from a threat
    • Perseverance: Persisting to the end of what we’ve started
    • Honesty: Being genuine and authentic and speaking the truth
    • Zest: Living life with energy and excitement, showing enthusiasm for living
  • Humanity: Positive traits are found in caring relationships, where we tend and befriend others.
    • Love: Being close to those we care about and willing to share and care
    • Kindness: Doing for others and taking care of them
    • Social intelligence: Smooth social functioning and awareness of others’ motives
  • Justice: Such strengths are “broadly interpersonal, relevant to the optimal interaction between the individual and the group or the community” (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p. 357). People with this strength typically have a sense of justice to the group.
    • Teamwork: Showing loyalty to and working well with a team
    • Fairness: Not allowing personal feelings to influence decisions or behavior
    • Leadership: Positively influencing others to get things done
  • Temperance: These strengths protect us from excess, including hatred, reliance on short-term pleasures, and arrogance. Rather than burying our emotions, we take charge of them.
    • Forgiveness: Accepting others’ shortcomings and letting go of hurt
    • Humility: Modesty and letting our achievements speak for themselves
    • Prudence: Reduced risk-taking and taking care regarding our choices
    • Self-regulation: Regulating personal feelings and actions and displaying self-control
  • Transcendence: These strengths allow “individuals to form connections to the larger universe and thereby provide meaning to their lives” (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p. 519).
    • Appreciation of beauty and excellence: Recognizing and appreciating beauty, skills, and heightened performance
    • Gratitude: Awareness and expressing thankfulness for the good things in life
    • Hope: Believing the best is likely to happen and seeing the potential of a positive future
    • Humor: Making others smile and laugh and seeing the light side
    • Spirituality: Having a purpose, meaning, faith, and associated beliefs

Download 3 Free Strengths Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to discover and harness their unique strengths.

Understanding the Science Behind Character Strengths

“The 24 character strengths, as a group, are a common language that describes what is best in human beings” (Niemiec, 2018, p. 2). We can think of them as innovative, as previously strengths had not been identified across multiple cultures.

A strengths-based approach enables coaches, therapists, and clients to have a shared understanding and a common basis for clear, authentic discussion.

The character strengths and virtues list was not randomly assigned. Instead, their identification and definition resulted from a three-year project, collaborating with 55 scientists as part of a global nonprofit organization (Niemiec, 2018).

Martin Seligman, sometimes referred to as a founding father of positive psychology, and Chris Peterson, another founder, led the comprehensive review of “philosophy, virtue ethics, moral education, psychology, and theology over the past 2,500+ years” (Niemiec, 2018, p. 3).

The scientific research output led to the definition and adoption of 24 character strengths that serve as pathways to the six virtues described earlier (Niemiec, 2018). As such, character strengths offer a scientific template for understanding the core of who we are and how to work well together.

Signature strengths are a vital aspect of the VIA classification and are defined as “the strengths that are strongest or most prominent in your strengths profile” (Niemiec & McGrath, 2019, p. 21). Identifying our signature strengths and using them in a balanced way can boost wellbeing and performance.

Research continues to offer validation for using the character strengths model in multiple contexts, including academic, therapeutic, and workplace settings (Green & Karuppannan, 2025).

8 Reasons Character Virtues Matter in Daily Life

How to be humbleUltimately, being aware of our character strengths and virtues and knowing how to use them “can help us notice the good things around us; discover how we can do better; and catalyze positive, virtuous, healthy, or more balanced behavior” (Niemiec & McGrath, 2019, p. 16).

While there are many reasons strength awareness and application are valuable in our daily lives, here are several of the most insightful.

Research has shown that focusing on our strengths can (Niemiec & McGrath, 2019; Niemiec, 2018; Biswas-Diener et al., 2011):

  • Support elements of positive psychological wellbeing, including positive emotions, engagement, meaning, positive relationships, and accomplishment
  • Reduce the impact of negative experiences and emotions by creating a more balanced outlook — reflecting on strengths can offset negative experiences
  • Help us feel more authentic, perform better, and increase psychological wellness
  • Increase focus and performance and find more meaning in the workplace
  • Enhance resilience and adaptability, helping individuals manage change and difficult times
  • Help individuals achieve their goals, particularly when combined with mobilizing social support
  • Reduce the impact of stress and depression and even increase happiness
  • Improve team dynamics, enhancing group performance and satisfaction

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3 Ways to Identify Your Character Strengths

Self-reflection is vital when identifying our character strengths and virtues.

3 E’s

Niemiec & McGrath (2019) suggest focusing on the three E’s to identify and define your signature strengths.

  • Understand what’s essential to being you. What strengths make you who you are?
  • Recognize what feels effortless. What flows for you? When do things feel natural and effortless?
  • Be aware of what’s energizing. When do you feel most alive and engaged?

For each of the above, consider what you are doing and which strengths you are using.

VIA assessment

The easiest way to identify your strengths is by completing the VIA assessment. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and offers a free report listing the 24 strengths in order. More detailed reports are available at a price.

Completion of questionnaires

Other helpful, free questionnaires include:

Development of Character Strengths in Children

Character strengths in childrenWhile research is still identifying and confirming the exact mechanisms involved in how children develop their character strengths and virtues, the following factors are likely to be significant (Kretzschmar et al., 2022; Niemiec & McGrath, 2019):

  • Aspects of our character strengths appear to have a genetic basis, though it remains unclear to what degree.
  • The environment is likely to be important, with family upbringing, cultural context, educational experiences, and social interactions having an impact.
  • Early developmental experiences and challenges overcome are equally influential.
  • Structured educational programs may influence or direct character strength development.
  • Metacognition and reflection can also play a part.

Ultimately, the interaction of multiple influences and factors will likely influence character strength development, but it remains unclear to what degree (Niemiec, 2018).

6 Positive Psychology Strengths Interventions

Strength interventionsAwareness begins by identifying character strengths or signature strengths.

Exploration is about understanding how to use these strengths to perform at your best or overcome obstacles.

Application is finding opportunities where they can be used in a balanced way (Niemiec, 2018).

The following interventions will be helpful with these three stages.

  1. Strengths in Challenging Times
    Recognize the strengths we rely on when resilience is needed.
  2. Past, Current & Future Strengths
    Moving from awareness and exploring strengths to applying them is vital. Practice learning from the past to create a better vision of the future.
  3. Children’s Strengths Cards
    This fun activity involves matching strengths to images.
  4. Workplace Strengths Cards
    Explore the nature and application of strengths in a professional environment.
  5. How to Use Your Signature Strengths
    Finding your strengths can be both exciting and overwhelming. This worksheet provides an outline of each character strength, as well as ways you can apply each in everyday life.
  6. Aware–Explore–Apply Model
    Reflect on your initial thoughts, having identified your strengths, past successes, and obstacles overcome, and how you could use them more often in your daily life.

17 Exercises To Discover & Unlock Strengths

Use these 17 Strength-Finding Exercises [PDF] to help others discover and leverage their unique strengths in life, promoting enhanced performance and flourishing.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Resources From PositivePsychology.com

We have many resources available for therapists and coaches, encouraging individuals and groups to be more strengths-focused.

For additional reading, we recommend this article on altruism which is a light read.

Our Maximizing Strengths Masterclass© offers a comprehensive coaching package for helping clients unlock their potential. It includes presentations, exercises, and videos to develop yourself and help others perform at their best.

Our free resources include:

  • Overuse of Character Strengths
    Using signature strengths can be empowering. However, learning a balanced approach is vital.
  • What Strengths Do Others See?
    Identifying and understanding our strengths can be helped by gaining the perspective of others.

More extensive versions of the following tools are available with a subscription to the Positive Psychology Toolkit©, but they are described briefly below:

  • Strength journaling

We can boost personal strengths by identifying and attending to them. Journaling can help.

Reflect on and write down the answers to the following questions daily:

What went well today?
Which of my strengths contributed to the outcome?
How did I use it to create a positive moment?

At the end of each week, take time to reflect on which strengths are helping you the most and how you could create opportunities to use them more.

  • Strength collisions
    Sometimes, we consider our strengths as being superior to others. When it causes conflict, it may be necessary to dial down their use.

Try out the following steps:

    • Step 1 – Identify and describe a conflict with another person.
    • Step 2 – Write down what you want and why. Repeat for the other person.
    • Step 3 – Consider what you may be doing too much of (how you may be overusing a strength).
    • Step 4 – Can either or both of you dial down the strength you are using?

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others develop their strengths, this collection contains 17 strength-finding tools for practitioners. Use them to help others better understand and harness their strengths in life-enhancing ways.

A Take-Home Message

For centuries, philosophers, theologians, and psychologists have explored what it means to live a good life.

While many theories and models exist, thinkers and researchers typically agree on a key insight: Our character strengths shape who we are and how we flourish (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).

Our signature strengths paint a picture of what is best about us. They identify those traits that empower us, support us as we navigate our most demanding challenges, help us find meaning, and positively contribute to our world and those around us.

Once we can identify and harness our strengths, we can increase our capacity for individual resilience, engagement, and wellbeing (Niemiec, 2018).

Crucially, strengths do not exist in isolation. They are dynamic, shaped by context, and best expressed in balance. Courage without wisdom becomes recklessness. Honesty without kindness can turn into bluntness. The goal is not just to use our strengths but to use them well. Balancing our strengths is vital.

As practitioners, educators, and individuals committed to growth, we can build awareness of our strengths and those of others. By doing so, we move beyond focusing on what’s wrong and instead leverage what’s strong, helping ourselves and those we support find fulfillment and meaning.

We can all benefit from taking a moment to pause and reflect on our strengths regularly, asking ourselves how our signature strengths show up in our day-to-day lives. And, perhaps most importantly, how do we use them daily to be the best versions of ourselves?

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Strengths Exercises for free.

ED: Updated April 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Strengths are inherent traits that shape our thinking, feeling, and behavior and remain relatively stable over time. On the other hand, skills are learned abilities that can be acquired or lost (Niemiec, 2018; Peterson & Seligman, 2004).

Developing strengths involves awareness, exploration, and application. It requires identifying key strengths, reflecting on their past impact, and using them intentionally in daily life (Niemiec & McGrath, 2019).

While using character strengths fosters authenticity, resilience, and life satisfaction, it can also reduce stress. A strengths-focused approach in life shifts attention from what’s wrong to what’s right, improving overall wellbeing (Peterson & Seligman, 2004; Biswas-Diener et al., 2011).

  • Biswas-Diener, R., Kashdan, T. B., & Minhas, G. (2011). A dynamic approach to psychological strength development and intervention. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 6(2), 106–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2010.545429
  • Green, Z. A., & Karuppannan, G. (2025). Implementing strengths-based approaches for furthering career construction: Validation of the academic version of the values in action character strengths scale for assessing university students’ adaptability. Journal of Career Assessment, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10690727251315743
  • Ivtzan, I., Lomas, T., Hefferon, K., & Worth, P. (2016). Second wave positive psychology: Embracing the dark side of life. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
  • Kretzschmar, A., Wagner, L., Gander, F., Hofmann, J., Proyer, R. T., & Ruch, W. (2022). Character strengths and fluid intelligence. Journal of Personality, 90(6), 1057–1069. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12715
  • Niemiec, R. M. (2018). Character strengths interventions: A field guide for practitioners. Hogrefe.
  • Niemiec, R. M., & McGrath, R. E. (2019). The power of character strengths: Appreciate and ignite your positive personality. VIA Institute on Character.
  • Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification (1st ed.). Oxford University Press, Incorporated.
  • Rath, T. (2017). Strengths based leadership: Great Leaders, teams, and why people follow. Gallup Press.
  • Seligman, M. (2011). Flourish: A new understanding of happiness and well-being and how to achieve them. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Comments

What our readers think

  1. George

    Super informative and useful!

    Reply
  2. Sherry Campbell

    Very interesting article – and I love that children are learning this information now. Hoping that while they learn more about their own strengths and weaknesses, they will not only develop their own character but be understanding and accepting of others as well.

    Reply
  3. Ileana. G

    Very useful article, i know only basic English. But your sentences are easily understandable. This way i can improve my English skills. Thank you all.

    Reply
  4. Yuri Kim

    I have studied positive psychology and received a cerificate of positive psychcotherapy therapy. Some of the resources indicates “Open-mindedness” under knowldge and wisdon. However, the VIA institute test listed “Judgement” instead of “Open-mindedness”. Both meanings and concepts are quite different from each other for me. Which one should we use for consistency?

    Reply
    • Caroline Rou

      Hi Yuri,

      Thanks for your question! I definitely understand your confusion 🙂

      At the surface level, open-mindedness and judgment may seem relatively unrelated. However, if you read the official definitions outlined by the VIA Institute and UPenn, you will notice evident similarities. Here you can find the definition of judgment and here you can find the definition of open-mindedness.

      As you can see, both construct definitions carry facets of weighing evidence fairly, avoiding pre-disposed biases, and considering alternatives. Per definition, these constructs are quite similar, which is why some resources may use them interchangeably.

      I hope this helped!

      Kind regards,
      -Caroline | Community Manager

      Reply
  5. Andreas

    I would like to know what the professional adherents of Positive Psychology think about the practice of permanent or prolonged restraint from any sexual activity (that is, chastity). Because most other of the psychologists (and psychiatrists) are holding to ideas about sexual activity that are contrary, in direct opposition, to the teachings of many a major religion – for example, of (Catholic and Orthodox) Christianity or (Theravada) Buddhism.

    Annex:

    On Chastity | The Catholic Encyclopedia | New Advent
    https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03637d.htm

    “Chastity is the virtue which excludes or moderates the indulgence of the sexual appetite. It is a form of the virtue of temperance, which controls according to right reason the desire for and use of those things which afford the greatest sensual pleasures. The sources of such delectation are food and drink, by means of which the life of the individual is conserved, and the union of the sexes, by means of which the permanence of the species is secured. Chastity, therefore, is allied to abstinence and sobriety; for, as by these latter the pleasures of the nutritive functions are rightly regulated, so by chastity the procreative appetite is duly restricted. . . . According as chastity would exclude all voluntary carnal [sexual] pleasures, or allow this gratification only within prescribed limits, it is known as absolute or relative. The former is enjoined upon the unmarried, the latter is incumbent upon those within the marriage state. . . . Besides the classification already given, there is another, according to which chastity is distinguished as perfect, or imperfect. The first-mentioned is the virtue of those who, in order to devote themselves more unreservedly to God and their spiritual interests, resolve to refrain perpetually from even the licit pleasures of the marital state.”

    Reply
    • Nicole Celestine, Ph.D.

      Hi Andreas,

      You raise a very interesting question! One perspective comes from the ‘father’ of Positive Psychology, Martin Seligman. In a recent review (2019) describing the development of the 24 VIA Character Strengths, which is in some ways at the center of positive psychology, he notes that in order for something to meet the classification of a character strength, it must be universally valued and endorsed (e.g., kindness).

      People’s attitudes toward chastity differ depending on beliefs (often stemming from religion), so this is a virtue that does not typically appear within positive psychology strength classification schemes.

      Likewise, a review of research on positive psychology’s positive vs. negative effects on modern sexuality research suggests that our field has had little impact on research trends within this space (Arakawa et al., 2012).

      All in all, I think a positive psychologist is likely to take a fairly neutral stance to the notion of chastity, asking where the practice sits within a person’s make-up of values and beliefs. If the virtues associated with the practice of chastity are important to the individual and their belief system, they would then likely encourage the person to act in ways that are consistent with that value.

      I hope that answers your question!

      – Nicole | Community Manager

      Reply
      • Andreas

        Yes, thank you, that has mostly answered my question about Positive Psychology.

        But I will mention, at the risk of upsetting you and your colleagues (and some other people who might read this comment), that I consider that with the ‘neutral’ stance to be an unscientific ‘the customer is always right’ (even if he/she errs) approach. Why aren’t the psychologists who are formed in the school of Positive Psychology interested to actually study the psychological effects of the wilful and prolonged practice of chastity? (For example: Are the people who practice chastity perhaps better able to concentrate upon tasks? Are they more patient?)

        Apropos, have found these:

        Carr, D. (2007). “On the prospects of chastity as a contemporary virtue”. In R. Halwani’s (ed.) “Sex and ethics: Essays on sexuality, virtue, and the good life” (pp. 89–100).
        https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-00397-013

        Schnitker, S.A. & Emmons, R.A. (2017). “The psychology of virtue: Integrating Positive Psychology and the psychology of religion”. In “Psychology of Religion and Spirituality” vol.9, no.3 (pp. 239-41).
        https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2017-35611-001.pdf

        “Another strong case for an understudied virtue could be made for chastity. Chastity, or sexual restraint, is a moral virtue because it maximizes individual and relational well-being when practiced. Yet historically it fell on hard times, even in Christendom, where C.S. Lewis considered it ‘the most unpopular of the Christian virtues’ [it’s also the most unpopular of the Buddhist virtues], or when St. Augustine prayed ambivalently for it: ‘Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.’ In a hypersexualized culture [or society, as are the modernized societies,] it is bound to be seen as quaint at best, and overly repressive, restrictive, and even pathological at worst. What do the data say? Hardy and Willoughby (2017) explore the theological, philosophical, and psychological/public-health perspectives on chastity. They present data from several thousand adults on the connection between religiousness, [sexual] abstinence, sexual behaviors, sexual satisfaction, unhappiness and make a case for the place of religious communities to promote sexual chastity and positive psychosocial functioning through teachings about chastity and providing structures to motivate and enable people to live consistently with them.”

        Reply
        • Shubham

          Hi,
          I would suggest you to go through the documentations of KUNDALINI AWAKENING or Chakra Activation. I hope you will get your answer.

          Reply
          • Carlos

            Curious, as to why this response?

  6. Tello Núñez

    What an excellent summary. Thank you.

    Reply

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