Character Strengths and Virtues: Interpersonal Strengths

6 Universal Virtues

Broad core characteristics universally valued by moral philosophers and religious thinkers: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence.

24 Character Strengths

Specific psychological processes or mechanisms that define the virtues. They are measurable, distinct traits that lead to human flourishing.

Capacity to Love (and be Loved)

Valuing close relations with others, particularly those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated.

Kindness / Altruism

Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them without expecting anything in return.

Social Intelligence

Being aware of the motives and feelings of oneself and others; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations.

Teamwork / Citizenship

Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one's share for the common good.

Fairness / Equity

Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting personal feelings bias decisions.

Leadership

Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done, while simultaneously maintaining good relations within the group.

Measurement

• VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS): Self-report questionnaire measuring the 24 strengths.
• Identifies Signature Strengths (top 5-7 strengths most central to a person's identity).

Impact on Well-Being

• High interpersonal strengths correlate with greater relationship satisfaction and stability.
• Fosters positive emotional environments, increasing resilience during interpersonal conflict.