This classification handbook stems from a larger project by the authors in the field of positive psychology, which seeks to emphasize and develop positive traits the character traits defined here rather than focussing on illness. Within the larger virtues of wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence (each accompanied by an introductory overview), contributors have written on associated qualities, including fairness, leadership, prudence, gratitude, bravery, love of learning, creativity, and curiosity. Each chapter includes a consensual definition followed by analysis of theoretical traditions and measures; correlates and consequences; development; enabling and inhibiting factors; gender, cross-cultural, and cross-national aspects; deliberate interventions; and future areas of research. A concluding chapter addresses assessment and applications. A bibliography is included with each chapter; a comprehensive bibliography follows the text. Peterson teaches psychology at the U. of Michigan, Seligman at the U. of Pennsylvania. Co- published by Oxford U. Press and the American Psychological Association. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
"Character" has become a front-and-center topic in contemporary discourse, but this term does not have a fixed meaning. Character may be simply defined by what someone does not do, but a more active and thorough definition is necessary, one that addresses certain vital questions. Is character a singular characteristic of an individual, or is it composed of different aspects? Does character--however we define it--exist in degrees, or is it simply something one happens to have? How can character be developed? Can it be learned? Relatedly, can it be taught, and who might be the most effective teacher? What roles are played by family, schools, the media, religion, and the larger culture? This groundbreaking handbook of character strengths and virtues is the first progress report from a prestigious group of researchers who have undertaken the systematic classification and measurement of widely valued positive traits. They approach good character in terms of separate strengths-authenticity, persistence, kindness, gratitude, hope, humor, and so on-each of which exists in degrees.
Character Strengths and Virtues classifies twenty-four specific strengths under six broad virtues that consistently emerge across history and culture: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. Each strength is thoroughly examined in its own chapter, with special attention to its meaning, explanation, measurement, causes, correlates, consequences, and development across the life span, as well as to strategies for its deliberate cultivation. This book demands the attention of anyone interested in psychology and what it can teach about the good life.
