Character Strengths

Abstract Abstract The science and practice of character strengths, as represented in the VIA Classification of character strengths and its subsequent studies, represent substantial potential for the disability field. While disability practitioners, scientists, and policymakers are increasingly shifting from a deficit-focused approach toward a strengths-based approach, there frequently remains a lack of clarity as to what “strength” means. In the initial decades of this work, the term readily referred to abilities/talents, skills/competencies, interests/passions, and to external resources/supports. A surge of research and applications are unfolding toward an arguably more central and important category of strengths, that of strengths of character, as these are described as those qualities most core to who the person is, produce positive outcomes for them and others, and contribute to the greater good. This chapter focuses on strengths of character. Guiding principles that provide rationale for this integration include that character strengths offer a language of inclusiveness, a focus on ability, a pathway to manage adversity, an equalizer across people, a balancer of extremes, a growth mindset approach, and a pathway for belonging. Findings from three general areas of disability—neurodevelopmental (including intellectual/developmental and autism), psychiatric, and physical (including medical conditions)—are highlighted. This is followed by a discussion of emerging applications for character strengths to assess, support, and adjunctively treat individuals. Future directions are offered.