Positive psychology
Character Strengths Test: 24 strengths, 6 virtues
The VIA Classification identifies 24 character strengths organized under 6 universal virtues. Discover where you naturally excel.
What are character strengths?
The VIA Classification (Values in Action) was developed by Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman in 2004 as a counterweight to traditional psychology's focus on what goes wrong. Instead, the VIA asks: what goes right? What qualities bring out the best in you?
Peterson and Seligman studied virtues and strengths across cultures worldwide — from ancient philosophical traditions to contemporary psychology. The result: 24 character strengths that are universally valued, grouped under 6 broad virtues. Everyone possesses all 24 strengths, but to different degrees. Your top strengths are the qualities that feel most natural and give you the most energy.
The 6 virtues and 24 strengths
Wisdom
Courage
Humanity
Justice
Temperance
Transcendence
How does the VIA questionnaire work?
The VIA questionnaire consists of 120 statements. For each statement you indicate how well it applies to you. The statements cover how you think, feel, and act in everyday situations — from how you handle setbacks to what energizes you in social settings.
There are no right or wrong answers. The test does not measure whether you are "good enough" at something, but which strengths are most characteristic of you. Your top 5 are called your "signature strengths" — the qualities you naturally lean on and that give you the most satisfaction.
Research shows that deliberately using your signature strengths leads to greater well-being, better work performance, and stronger relationships. Not by fixing weaknesses, but by amplifying what is already strong.
Strengths in context
→Strengths and personality— Curiosity in someone with high openness looks different than in someone who is naturally structured. The combination determines how a strength expresses itself.
→Strengths and values— Leadership as a strength combined with strong Benevolence values produces servant leadership. With Power values it becomes results-driven leadership.
→Strengths and coping— Perseverance as a strength protects against giving up under stress. But combined with perfectionism it can also lead to pushing past the point where stopping would be wiser.
→The complete picture— Knowing your strengths is valuable. Understanding how they interact with your personality, values, and coping style gives the full picture. The AI analysis reveals those connections.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions does the VIA test have?+
120 statements about how you think, feel, and act. For each statement you indicate how characteristic it is of you.
What are signature strengths?+
Your top 5 strengths that are most characteristic of you — the qualities that give you the most energy.
Are some strengths better than others?+
No. All 24 strengths are positive. What matters is which ones fit you best.
What can I do with my strengths?+
Deliberately using your strengths leads to greater well-being, better performance, and stronger relationships. The AI report offers concrete suggestions.
Are character strengths the same as personality?+
No. Personality (HEXACO) describes how you are. Strengths (VIA) describe what you excel at. Together they give a more complete picture.
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