Character strengths — discover your 24 virtues according to the VIA classification
The VIA classification identifies 24 character strengths grouped into 6 virtues. Learn what your "signature strengths" are and how to use them at work and in life.
What is positive psychology?
For most of its history, psychology focused on disorders and deficits. 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 developed by Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson in 2004.
24 Strengths and 6 Virtues
VIA groups 24 character strengths into 6 overarching virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence. The strengths include creativity, curiosity, love, kindness, fairness, perseverance, hope, humor, and more.
Signature Strengths
Of the 24 strengths, each person typically has 3–7 "signature strengths" — those that feel authentic and natural, that energize us, and whose use brings joy.
Seligman's research shows that using signature strengths in a new way each day for a week significantly increases happiness and reduces depressive symptoms — with effects lasting 6 months.
How to use your strengths?
At work: Match tasks to strengths. If your strength is creativity, find ways to innovate even in routine roles.
In relationships: Discuss mutual strengths with your partner. Couples who actively appreciate each other's virtues have higher relationship satisfaction.
In difficult times: Strengths are a source of resilience. In a crisis, ask: "Which of my strengths can I use here?"
Take the test
Our Character Strengths Profile (24 items based on VIA) reveals your top signature strengths and provides a full ranking of all 24 virtues with practical application tips.
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