Discover Your Signature Strengths

The development of the VIA (Values in Action) Character Strengths Survey is a significant tool created by the the field of positive psychology. Here’s an overview of how it came to be: 

Positive Psychology  
Positive psychology emerged in the late 1990s as a response to the dominant focus on pathology within psychology. Dr. Martin Seligman, often regarded as the father of positive psychology, emphasized the study of what makes life worth living and how individuals can thrive. The field sought to identify and promote factors that contribute to human well-being and happiness, known as flourishing today.

The Need for a Positive Classification System
Traditional psychology had well-established systems like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for diagnosing mental illnesses. However, there was no equivalent for identifying and classifying positive human traits. This gap inspired the creation of a comprehensive framework for understanding and assessing human strengths and virtues.

Collaboration and Research
Dr. Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson, a renowned psychologist, spearheaded the development of the VIA Classification of Character Strengths. They embarked on an extensive research project to identify universal strengths that contribute to a fulfilling life. Their work involved reviewing historical and cultural texts, consulting with experts across various fields, and conducting empirical research.

The Six Virtues and 24 Character Strengths
Through their research, Seligman and Peterson identified six core virtues that were universally valued across cultures and time periods: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. These virtues were further broken down into 24 measurable character strengths, such as creativity, bravery, kindness, fairness, and gratitude.

Development of the VIA Survey
To make this framework accessible and practical, the VIA Institute on Character was established. The VIA Character Strengths Survey was developed as a psychometrically validated tool to help individuals identify their unique strengths. The survey consists of a series of questions designed to assess the presence and extent of these 24 character strengths in a person's life.

Implementation and Impact
The VIA Survey has been widely used in research, education, counseling, and personal development. Over 30 million people have taken the survey! It provides individuals with insights into their core strengths, helping them to leverage these strengths to enhance their well-being, achieve personal goals, and foster positive relationships. The survey has also been instrumental in advancing the scientific study of positive traits and their impact on various aspects of life.

Continuous Development
Since its inception, the VIA Survey has undergone revisions and updates to improve its accuracy and applicability. It continues to be a cornerstone of positive psychology, contributing to a greater understanding of human potential and flourishing.  

Defining Human Flourishing
The VIA Institute set out to define “what is good in a human being” based on their findings. Their research produced the Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification (CSV). This handbook is seen as a counterpart to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), used in traditional psychology to identify and classify psychiatric disorders and abnormalities of human behavior. While traditional psychology tends to focus on distress, illness, and dysfunction, positive psychology focuses on optimum functioning, satisfaction, happiness, and well-being - known as flourishing.

A Balanced Approach
This positive psychology handbook is not intended to replace the approach of traditional psychology but to provide balance by focusing on what is strong—not just what is wrong. Prior to its development, there was no common language for researchers and practitioners to study the various human strengths that help people grow and thrive. Today, the Character Strengths and Virtues Handbook has created a way for researchers to systematically name, define, and group the 24 character strengths within 6 virtues based on empirically-based measurements of each character strength.

Practical Implementation
The research led to the creation of several strengths-based assessments and evidence-based interventions, sparking the explosion of the field of positive psychology. The VIA Character Strengths Survey was developed as a psychometrically validated tool to help individuals identify their unique strengths. The survey consists of a series of questions designed to assess the presence and extent of these 24 character strengths in a person's life.

Global Impact
The VIA Survey has been widely used in research, education, counseling, and personal development. Over 30 million people It provides individuals with insights into their core strengths, helping them leverage these strengths to enhance their well-being, achieve personal goals, and foster positive relationships. Positive psychology is now used throughout the world for improved health and well-being and increased performance-based activities at work, school, and in the community.