"Values-In-Action" Character Strengths Predict Well-Being

Character strengths can be conceptualized in the Values-In-Action (VIA) strengths classification system.

135 undergraduate university students completed measures of strengths use, subjective well-being (SWB), self-esteem, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and endorsed 5 top VIA strengths.

Results revealed that strengths use is a unique predictor of subjective well-being, but not HRQOL.

The VIA strengths of hope and zest were significant positive predictors of life satisfaction.

The most commonly-endorsed VIA strengths were:

- love
- humor
- kindness
- social intelligence
- open-mindedness.

The least-endorsed VIA strengths were:

- leadership
- perseverance
- wisdom
- spirituality
- self-control

The results suggest a link between VIA strengths and subjective well-being.

References:
Predictor of Well-Being and Health-Related Quality of Life. Journal Journal of Happiness Studies, 2010.

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