VIA Character Strengths & Values Test

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VIA Character Test Credibility

Scientifically Validated Assessment

The VIA Character Strengths Survey is a scientifically validated assessment developed by leading psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. Used by over 18 million people worldwide, it measures 24 universal character strengths through rigorous positive psychology research.

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Peterson & Seligman VIA Framework

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Cross-Cultural Validation

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Peer-Reviewed Research

The Science Behind This Test

The VIA Character Strengths Test is based on three years of research by psychologists Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson, who examined philosophical texts, psychiatric literature, and character frameworks across cultures to identify 24 universal character strengths organized under six core virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence.

The test uses a strength-based approach from positive psychology, focusing on identifying and leveraging existing strengths rather than addressing deficits. Research shows that individuals who use their signature strengths experience greater happiness, meaning, resilience, and life satisfaction across diverse cultures and populations.

Key Research References

  • Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. Oxford University Press.
  • Park, N., Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Strengths of character and well-being. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 23(5), 603-619.
  • McGrath, R. E. (2019). Technical Report: The VIA Assessment Suite for Adults. VIA Institute on Character.
  • Ruch, W., Proyer, R. T., Harzer, C., Park, N., Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2010). Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS): Adaptation and validation of the German version. Journal of Individual Differences, 31(3), 138-149.
  • McGrath, R. E., & Wallace, N. (2021). Cross-validation of the VIA Inventory of Strengths-Revised. Journal of Personality Assessment, 103(1), 120-131.
  • Niemiec, R. M. (2018). Character Strengths Interventions: A Field Guide for Practitioners. Hogrefe Publishing.