Positive psychology, the classification of character strengths and virtues, and issues of measurement. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Snow, Nancy E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of positive psychology. Volume 14:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Character strengths -- virtues -- positive psychology -- measurement -- cross-cultural; Positive psychology -- Periodicals; Quality of life -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Happiness -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 158
• DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2018.1528376
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9760

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This essay raises concerns about positive psychology's classification of character strengths and virtues and issues of measurement. Part I examines the process whereby the classification was compiled. Part II turns to issues of measurement and questions about positive psychologists' sensitivity to variations in the meanings of the constructs they purport to measure, both within and across cultures. I argue that attempts to find a 'deep structure' of the character strengths and virtues should proceed hand in hand with efforts to render positive psychology and its measurement tools more sensitive to variability in character strengths and virtues across and within cultures. The essay concludes with suggestions for future research.