The Role of Character Strengths and Virtues in the Pursuit of Purpose

This study examines the relationship among character strengths, virtues, and purpose. We examined how character strengths predict purpose and each of its components—goal-directedness, personal meaning, and beyond-the-self orientation—using the Values in Action Inventory and data from more than 9,000 participants. Our mixed-methods approach enabled us to identify the strongest predictors of purpose and its dimensions and to understand why and how these character strengths supported purpose and its components. In addition to highlighting gender and age differences, findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance purpose across diverse groups.

Project Leads: Lisa Kearns, Christina Schwartz
Team Members: Christine L.J. D'Amico, Breanna Sampo, Zachary Swanson