Character Strengths and Virtues A Handbook and Classification

by Peterson, Christopher; Seligman, Martin E. P.

• ISBN13: 9780195167016
• ISBN10: 0195167015
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-04-08
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

This text is a co-publication of the American Psychological Association.This groundbreaking handbook of human strengths and virtues is the firstprogress report from a prestigious group of researchers in the Values in ActionClassification Project, which has undertaken a systematic classification andmeasurement of universal strengths and virtues. This landmark work makespossible for the first time a science of human strengths that goes beyondarmchair philosophy and political science. The handbook begins with thebackground of the VIA classification scheme and defines terms before describingin thorough detail the current state of knowledge with respect to each of the 24character strengths in the classification. Addressing issues of assessment andmeasurement, practical applications, and directions for future research, thiswork will demand the attention of any psychologist who is interested in positivepsychology and its relevance to clinical, personality, and socialpsychology.

Table of Contents

Contributors	xiii
SECTION I: BACKGROUND
Introduction to a ``Manual of the Sanities''	3	(30)
Universal Virtues?---Lessons From History	33	(20)
Previous Classifications of Character Strengths	53	(56)
SECTION II: STRENGTHS OF CHARACTER
Strengths of WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
Introduction	93	(16)
Creativity [Originality, Ingenuity]	109	(16)
Curiosity [Interest, Novelty-Seeking, Openness to Experience]	125	(18)
Open-Mindedness [Judgment, Critical Thinking]	143	(18)
Love of Learning	161	(20)
Perspective [Wisdom]	181	(32)
Strengths of COURAGE
Introduction	197	(16)
Bravery [Valor]	213	(16)
Persistence [Perseverance, Industriousness]	229	(20)
Integrity [Authenticity, Honesty]	249	(24)
Vitality [Zest, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Energy]	273	(30)
Strengths of HUMANITY
Introduction	291	(12)
Love	303	(22)
Kindness [Generosity, Nurturance, Care, Compassion, Altruistic Love, ``Niceness'']	325	(12)
Social Intelligence [Emotional Intelligence, Personal Intelligence]	337	(32)
Strengths of JUSTICE
Introduction	355	(14)
Citizenship [Social Responsibility, Loyalty, Teamwork]	369	(22)
Fairness	391	(22)
Leadership	413	(32)
Strengths of TEMPERANCE
Introduction	429	(16)
Forgiveness and Mercy	445	(16)
Humility and Modesty	461	(16)
Prudence	477	(22)
Self-Regulation [Self-Control]	499	(38)
Strengths of TRANSCENDENCE
Introduction	517	(20)
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence [Awe, Wonder, Elevation]	537	(16)
Gratitude	553	(16)
Hope [Optimism, Future-Mindedness, Future Orientation]	569	(14)
Humor [Playfulness]	583	(16)
Spirituality [Religiousness, Faith, Purpose]	599	(26)
SECTION III: CONCLUSIONS
Assessment and Applications	625	(20)
References	645	(118)
Index of Names	763	(26)
Subject Index	789