VIA Institute on Character

Everyone possesses all 24 character strengths in different degrees. See the full character strengths list here & learn about your unique personal strengths.

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Discover your character strengths in 10 minutes with the free, scientifically validated VIA Survey. Learn to use your character strengths to live your best life.

Abstract: Why are certain character strengths more associated with life satisfaction than others? A sample of US adults (N ¼ 12,439) completed online surveys in English measuring character strengths, orientations to happiness (engagement, pleasure, and meaning), and life satisfaction, and a sample of Swiss adults (N ¼ 445) completed paper-and-pencil versions of the same surveys in German. In both samples, the character strengths most highly linked to life satisfaction included love, hope, curiosity, and zest. Gratitude was among the most robust predictors of life satisfaction in the US sample, whereas perseverance was among the most robust predictors in the Swiss sample. In both samples, the strengths of character most associated with life satisfaction were associated with orientations to pleasure, to engagement, and to meaning, implying that the most fulfilling character strengths are those that make possible a full life AI generated summary: The selected source, "Strengths of character, orientations to happiness, and life satisfaction," by Peterson et al. (2007), investigates the relationships between **character strengths**, **orientations to happiness (pleasure, engagement, and meaning)**, and **life satisfaction** in two samples of adults: one from the US (N=12,439) and one from Switzerland (N=445). The study aims to understand why certain character strengths are more strongly associated with life satisfaction than others. The authors begin by establishing **positive psychology's focus on character and virtue**, referencing their classification of **24 character strengths organized under six broader virtues**. They note that while all strengths are considered fulfilling, some more robustly predict happiness and life satisfaction, specifically mentioning love, hope, gratitude, curiosity, and zest. The paper then explores different ways to achieve happiness, including **hedonism (pleasure)**, **engagement (flow)**, and **eudaimonia (meaning)**. The researchers used the Orientations to Happiness Scale to measure the endorsement of these three routes to happiness. The study utilized online surveys in English for the US sample and paper-and-pencil surveys in German for the Swiss sample. The measures included the **Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS)** to assess the 24 character strengths, the **Orientations to Happiness Scale**, and the **Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)**. The results showed that in both the US and Swiss samples, the character strengths most highly linked to life satisfaction included **zest, hope, and love**, along with **curiosity**. **Gratitude** was a robust predictor in the US sample, while **perseverance** was prominent in the Swiss sample. Furthermore, these strengths most associated with life satisfaction were also associated with orientations to **pleasure, engagement, and meaning**. The authors suggest that the most fulfilling character strengths are those that enable a "**full life**," characterized by engagement, pleasure, and meaning. Statistical analyses indicated that while the orientations to happiness partially explained the relationship between character strengths and life satisfaction, there were also **"direct" effects** of some strengths (especially love and gratitude) on life satisfaction, suggesting that the three measured routes to happiness do not fully account for why character strengths are satisfying. The authors propose that life satisfaction might be an intrinsic property of living in accordance with certain character strengths and that these strengths can lead to various social and personal benefits. The study also found some **national differences**. Swiss respondents reported higher life satisfaction, while US respondents scored higher on religiousness and an orientation to meaning. The authors tentatively link the Swiss results to "post-modern values" emphasizing autonomy and self-expression, while noting the greater importance of religion in the US. The different robust predictors of life satisfaction (gratitude in the US, perseverance in Switzerland) were also noted as potentially congruent with national stereotypes. The authors acknowledge the limitations of using **convenience samples and self-report measures**, as well as the **cross-sectional design**. They conclude by reiterating the positive psychology premise that focusing on good character can illuminate what makes life worth living, echoing Aristotle's view that happiness is the purpose of life achieved by living in accordance with one's virtues.

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Learn how adopting a character strengths-based language in the classroom can foster growth, resilience, and respect among students.

Dr. Ryan Niemiec explains the power of signature strengths and how identifying and using them in new ways daily can increase happiness and reduce depression. Learn practical tips for incorporating your strengths into your everyday life.

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