The VIA Survey of Character Strengths helps people figure out what really makes them tick. This 240-item self-assessment dives into 24 different character strengths spread across six big virtue categories, giving you a snapshot of your unique psychological makeup. When folks discover their top strengths using the VIA Survey, they often find themselves better able to handle challenges, chase meaningful goals, and—maybe most importantly—enjoy a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Plenty of people who take the VIA Survey say the results are both reassuring and, sometimes, a little unexpected. The assessment shines a light on traits like curiosity, appreciation of beauty, fairness, and honesty—qualities that really shape how we move through the world. Unlike some personality tests that zero in on your shortcomings, the VIA Survey focuses on the good stuff: your positive traits, the ones you can use to boost your success and satisfaction.
Getting a handle on your character strengths sets the stage for personal growth and a more genuine way of living. The VIA Survey, which researchers built on a solid foundation of psychological science, gives you a framework for self-discovery that works in all sorts of settings—from personal development to climbing the career ladder. Insights from this assessment help you line up your daily activities with your natural strengths, making life feel a little more engaging and, honestly, just better.
What Is the Values in Action (VIA) Survey?
The VIA Survey is a science-backed assessment that helps people spot and understand their core character strengths. It looks at 24 strengths, organized under six broad virtues that seem to matter across cultures.
Background and Purpose
Researchers created the VIA Survey to help psychology focus less on “fixing” mental illness and more on helping people thrive. This fits with the spirit of positive psychology, which is all about strengths, not weaknesses. The survey guides people to discover their core character strengths—the positive traits that really reflect who they are.
When people lean into their top strengths, studies show they’re usually happier, more engaged, and more satisfied. The VIA Survey’s real aim is to help people notice these strengths so they can use them on purpose, every day.
Unlike a lot of personality tests that sort you into types or highlight flaws, the VIA Survey hones in on strengths that are valued morally and that help make the world better.
Development and History
The VIA Survey came out of a three-year project that the Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation funded. Over 50 scientists teamed up to nail down and classify the positive traits that humans share.
They pored over philosophical and religious traditions from both East and West, spanning 2,500 years. They searched for virtues and strengths that people have always valued. That deep dive led them to six core virtues and 24 character strengths.
The first version landed in 2004. Since then, millions of people in more than 190 countries have taken it, and it’s been translated into loads of languages. Researchers have tweaked it over the years to make it more reliable and accurate.
Founders and Key Contributors
Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson led the charge in creating the VIA Survey. Dr. Seligman—sometimes called the “father of positive psychology”—put positive psychology on the map when he was president of the American Psychological Association back in 1998.
Dr. Peterson, a professor at the University of Michigan, was a driving force behind the survey’s scientific backbone. His work on character strengths really shaped how the survey works.
Other important folks include Dr. Neal Mayerson, who, through the VIA Institute on Character, helped make the project happen. Dr. Ryan Niemiec has also played a big role, especially in applying character strengths in real-world settings.
Structure of the VIA Survey
The VIA Survey is built around a framework that measures 24 character strengths, all grouped under six main virtues. The assessment helps you spot your unique strengths through a set of carefully crafted questions and a straightforward scoring system.
Types of Questions
The survey asks questions designed to tap into each of the 24 strengths. Each question describes a situation or statement linked to a specific strength—maybe creativity, kindness, or perseverance. You rate how much each one sounds like you.
For instance, a gratitude question might say, “I always express my thanks to people who care about me.” The questions try to reflect real, everyday moments.
Writers avoided leading questions and tried to keep things culturally neutral. They also worded everything positively, focusing on strengths instead of shortcomings. That’s a big part of the VIA’s philosophy.
Survey Format
The standard VIA Survey usually has about 120 questions, with around five for each strength. You rate each item on a 5-point scale, from “very much like me” to “very much unlike me.”
There are a few versions:
- VIA-IS: The full version for adults (18+)
- VIA-Youth: Tweaked for kids and teens (10-17)
- VIA-72: A shorter, 72-question version
- VIA-120: The standard length
You can take the survey online, and it usually takes 15-30 minutes. You get your results right after you finish. The online setup makes it easy to score and get a personalized report on the spot.
Scoring System
The VIA Survey’s scoring is pretty simple: it ranks your strengths from most to least dominant, based on how you answered the questions.
Here’s what you’ll see:
- Signature strengths: Your top 5-7 strengths—these feel most natural to you
- Middle strengths: The ones in the middle of your ranking
- Lesser strengths: The ones toward the bottom
Your scores show your own pattern of strengths—they don’t compare you to anyone else. There’s no competition here; it’s just about you.
You’ll get raw scores and percentile rankings compared to the general population. Some detailed reports even show how your strengths might interact or where you might have blind spots.
VIA Classification of Character Strengths
The VIA Classification lays out 24 character strengths under six broad virtue categories. This system gives people a shared way to talk about the positive parts of personality and helps you see your own unique strengths pattern.
Overview of 24 Character Strengths
The VIA Survey measures 24 different character strengths that show up across cultures and throughout history. These include creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, perspective, bravery, perseverance, honesty, zest, love, kindness, social intelligence, teamwork, fairness, leadership, forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation, appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, humor, and spirituality.
Each strength is about thinking, feeling, or acting in ways that help you and others. These aren’t just talents or skills—they’re core parts of your personality that you can develop through practice.
Research points out that using these strengths regularly boosts life satisfaction, helps you bounce back from tough times, and generally makes life better.
Six Virtue Categories
The 24 strengths fit into six big virtue buckets:
- Wisdom and Knowledge: Strengths about learning and using knowledge
- Creativity, Curiosity, Judgment, Love of Learning, Perspective
- Courage: Emotional strengths for pushing through to reach goals
- Bravery, Perseverance, Honesty, Zest
- Humanity: Strengths for caring about others
- Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence
- Justice: Civic strengths for building healthy communities
- Teamwork, Fairness, Leadership
- Temperance: Strengths that keep excess in check
- Forgiveness, Humility, Prudence, Self-Regulation
- Transcendence: Strengths that give life meaning and connect us to something bigger
- Appreciation of Beauty, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, Spirituality
These categories aren’t random—they show up again and again in different philosophies and religions through history.
Signature Strengths
Signature strengths are the 5-7 character strengths that feel most “you.” They just come naturally, and using them feels energizing, almost effortless. When people use their signature strengths, they usually feel more alive and fulfilled.
The VIA Survey ranks all your strengths, and the ones at the top are your likely signature strengths. You might not use them all the time, but they’re central to who you are.
Researchers found that using your signature strengths in new ways can boost happiness and even lower depression for months. People often find it helpful to brainstorm creative ways to use their signature strengths every day—at work, at home, or just in life in general.
Completing the VIA Survey
The VIA Survey offers a structured, straightforward way to discover your character strengths through self-assessment. The process feels user-friendly but still manages to deliver some surprisingly useful insights.
How to Take the Survey
You can take the VIA Survey online at the official VIA Institute on Character website. There’s a free version that takes about 10-15 minutes. The full version has 240 questions, but shorter versions exist if you’re in a hurry.
To get started, you just create an account on the VIA website. This way, you can save your results and come back to them later. The survey gives you statements to rate on a 5-point scale, from “very much like me” to “not like me at all.”
The questions cover all sorts of character and behavior angles. It’s best to answer honestly, not how you wish you’d act.
Eligibility and Accessibility
The VIA Survey is designed for adults, but there are youth versions for younger folks. The standard survey works for people 18 and up, while the youth version is for ages 10-17.
You can take the survey in more than 20 languages—Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Arabic, and more—so it’s pretty accessible no matter where you’re from.
For people with disabilities, the site includes features like text-to-speech and keyboard navigation to help those with visual impairments.
The basic survey is free, so you don’t have to worry about cost. If you want a more detailed report, there’s a fee.
Time and Process
The VIA Survey usually takes 10-15 minutes for the short version and 20-30 minutes for the full one. Most people finish in one sitting, but you can save your progress if you need a break.
The format is simple: each question is a statement about behavior or feelings, and you say how much it fits you.
Once you submit your answers, you get your results right away. The survey lists your 24 strengths in order, with your top 5-7 highlighted as “signature strengths.”
The basic results come in a clear, visual format. If you want more analysis or ideas for using your strengths, you can pay for a premium report.
Interpreting Your VIA Survey Results
After you finish the VIA Survey, you’ll see your 24 character strengths ranked from top to bottom. Understanding these results can open your eyes to your natural tendencies and maybe even some hidden potential.
Understanding Your Scores
The survey puts your strengths in order from 1 to 24. Your top strengths—your “signature strengths”—are the ones that feel most natural and energizing to use. Usually, that’s your top 5-7.
The middle strengths are the ones you use sometimes, maybe depending on the situation.
Lower-ranked strengths aren’t weaknesses—they just don’t come as naturally, or maybe you use them less often. The survey measures how strong each trait is for you, not whether you have it or not.
Your strengths profile can shift a bit over time, especially if you work on developing new strengths or life throws you into different situations.
Identifying Your Strengths Profile
Your unique mix of strengths creates your personal “strengths profile.” Look for patterns in your top strengths to get a sense of your natural style.
For example:
- Wisdom cluster: Creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, perspective
- Humanity cluster: Love, kindness, social intelligence
- Courage cluster: Bravery, perseverance, honesty, zest
Think about how your top strengths work together. Someone high in curiosity and perseverance might love diving into research, while someone with humor and kindness could be a natural at making friends.
Pay attention to the times when you feel most engaged—what strengths are you using then?
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think lower-ranked strengths are weaknesses, but that’s not really how it works. The VIA Survey just shows which strengths are most prominent for you right now. Everyone has all 24 strengths, just in different amounts.
Some folks treat the results as set in stone, but strengths can absolutely grow and change with practice. Your profile is just a snapshot, not a life sentence.
It’s also not true that only your top strengths matter. Different situations call for different strengths, and learning to use them flexibly is way more useful than just sticking to your “signature” ones.
The survey isn’t meant to box you in—it’s really about giving you a starting point for self-awareness and growth.
Applications of the VIA Survey
The VIA Survey isn’t just interesting—it’s actually useful in real life. It helps people understand and put their character strengths to work in ways that matter.
Personal Growth
The VIA Survey is a solid tool for personal development. When people know their top strengths, they can use them more intentionally day to day, which research links to increased happiness and confidence.
One helpful habit is “strength spotting”—noticing when you’re actually using your signature strengths. This makes it easier to play to your natural abilities.
You can also try “strength building” by finding new ways to use your strengths to tackle challenges. For example, if creativity is one of your top strengths, you might use it to solve problems at work.
Survey results can help you create personal growth plans that line up with who you really are, instead of just trying to fix what’s “wrong.” This strengths-first approach usually leads to more engagement and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Education and Classrooms
Teachers often turn to the VIA Survey to help create more positive and effective learning environments. When students figure out their own character strengths, they tend to feel more self-aware and confident in class.
Educators can build assignments that let students use their top strengths. For instance, kids who are naturally curious might really get into research projects, while those who shine in teamwork usually do well in group activities.
The VIA framework lets teachers spot and appreciate the wide range of strengths among their students. This kind of recognition can move classrooms away from labeling kids just by their grades.
Schools using character strength programs usually see better classroom behavior, more student engagement, and higher academic achievement. The approach builds a school culture that cares about character growth, not just test scores.
Coaching and Counseling
Professional coaches and counselors frequently use the VIA Survey to help clients understand their positive qualities. This strengths-based way of working stands in contrast to traditional models that focus on fixing problems.
In therapy, identifying character strengths can help clients build resilience and find resources to tackle tough situations. Therapists might encourage clients to lean on perseverance during hard times, or use their appreciation of beauty to manage stress.
The VIA framework gives coaches a clear path to help clients match career choices with their strengths. Someone who’s creative and curious might look for innovative jobs that fit those traits.
When it comes to relationship counseling, knowing each person’s strength profile can make communication smoother and help people appreciate each other’s unique contributions. This approach encourages respect for different styles.
Benefits of Using the VIA Survey
The VIA Survey brings a lot to the table for anyone interested in personal growth. Taking this character strengths assessment can really change how people see themselves and connect with the world.
Enhancing Well-Being
Research suggests that when people identify and use their personal strengths, they often feel happier and more satisfied with life. Regularly putting top strengths into action tends to boost confidence and positive emotions—a kind of “strengths boost,” if you will.
People who focus on their signature strengths, instead of obsessing over weaknesses, usually report less depression and stress. Studies back up the idea that strengths-based interventions can lift mood and outlook over the long haul.
The survey helps folks notice talents and abilities they might have overlooked. This self-awareness opens the door to more genuine living and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Fostering Positive Relationships
Understanding your own strengths can make it easier to communicate with others. When you know what you’re good at, it’s easier to be authentic in relationships.
The VIA framework also encourages people to see differences in strengths as assets, not obstacles. Instead of treating different profiles as a source of conflict, people can recognize how they complement each other.
In teams, knowing everyone’s strengths leads to better collaboration. Teams do well when members can:
- Play to their natural talents
- See how different strengths help the group
- Support each other with challenges
Couples who know each other’s strength profiles often feel more satisfied and run into fewer arguments.
Career Development
The VIA Survey gives people useful insights for career planning and professional growth. Folks who use their top strengths at work tend to feel more satisfied and engaged.
Many professionals use VIA results to:
- Find career paths that fit their strengths
- Shape their current jobs to include more strengths-based activities
- Showcase their value to employers or clients
Organizations benefit when employees work from their strengths. Workplaces that focus on strengths usually see less turnover, more productivity, and happier customers.
Career counselors often start with the VIA Survey to help clients discover meaningful work that fits their true character.
Scientific Foundations of the VIA Survey
The VIA Survey rests on a strong scientific foundation, built through careful research and ongoing evaluation. This background keeps it reliable as a tool for assessing character strengths.
Evidence-Based Approach
The Values in Action (VIA) Survey came out of positive psychology research. Researchers wanted to pinpoint and measure character strengths that show up across cultures. Unlike some personality tests, the VIA Survey zeroes in on positive traits and virtues, not problems or weaknesses.
Researchers dug into philosophical and religious traditions from around the world to find common virtues. They narrowed these down to 24 measurable strengths, grouped under six core virtues.
The 240-item questionnaire relies on self-reporting to see how people use these strengths in daily life. This makes it practical for applying positive psychology ideas in real situations.
Psychometric Properties
The VIA Survey shows strong reliability and validity. Studies show the assessment keeps good internal consistency—questions about the same strength tend to line up.
Researchers have confirmed test-retest reliability, meaning people’s results stay pretty stable over time, but there’s still room for growth. This supports the idea that character strengths are fairly steady, yet can develop.
The survey demonstrates solid construct validity, measuring what it’s supposed to measure. Factor analyses back up the structure of the 24 strengths, though some studies hint at alternate groupings beyond the original six virtues.
Cross-cultural research shows the survey works well for different populations and languages, so it’s useful in diverse settings.
Ongoing Research
Researchers keep exploring and refining the VIA Survey. Current studies look at how character strengths relate to well-being, school achievement, and career success.
Scientists are testing new ways to use strengths-based approaches in education, the workplace, and therapy. Evidence points to these methods working well alongside traditional treatment.
New digital tools make it easier to collect data and analyze how strengths connect to different aspects of life. Researchers can spot patterns and relationships that weren’t obvious before.
The VIA Institute partners with universities around the world to keep expanding the research. This ongoing work helps the survey stay up-to-date and valuable for personal development.
Digital Platforms and Accessibility
The VIA Survey shows up on several digital platforms, all aiming to make it easy for anyone to access. You’ll find it on the official VIA Institute website, plus a range of mobile and online tools that help more people discover their character strengths.
Official VIA Institute Website
The VIA Institute hosts its survey on a user-friendly website built with accessibility in mind. Users can set up a free VIA Pro Dashboard and take the 10-minute assessment to uncover their greatest strengths.
Recent survey data shows that 65% of people think digital accessibility is a civil right, not just a privilege. This belief has shaped how the VIA Institute designs its platform.
The website follows accessibility guidelines so people with disabilities can use the survey without obstacles. The interface works with assistive technologies and screen readers.
Mobile and Online Tools
You’ll also find the VIA Survey on various mobile and online tools, which go beyond the main website. These platforms let researchers and professionals share and analyze assessments worldwide.
Recent data says 59% of digital platform admins use or plan to use automated tools to catch up to 40% of accessibility issues. This helps keep VIA’s tools accessible on different devices.
Mobile apps offer the survey in a compact, phone-friendly format. These tools keep the assessment scientifically sound while making it easier for users to take it anywhere.
Most digital versions of the VIA Survey take about 10 minutes, so they’re convenient no matter which platform you pick.
Criticism and Limitations
Even though the VIA Survey of Character Strengths has become popular for personal development, it’s not without its critics. Some concerns have come up about its approach and methods, and it’s worth keeping these in mind when looking at results.
Cultural and Contextual Factors
The VIA Survey faces questions about whether it truly fits all cultures. The classification system grew out of Western psychology, so it might miss strengths that matter more in other cultures.
Some philosophers worry about how the VIA sorts character strengths, arguing that it doesn’t always capture cultural differences in how people understand virtues.
The meaning of certain strengths can shift a lot between cultures. Take humility, for instance—it’s a big deal in some places, but people in other cultures might see it differently.
Environmental and situational factors can shape how strengths show up, making it tough to measure them the same way in every setting.
Potential Biases
Since the VIA Survey relies on self-reporting, response biases can creep in. People might answer based on how they want to see themselves, not how they actually act.
Social desirability bias also plays a role—respondents may pick answers they think look good to others.
The way the survey phrases questions might favor certain personality types or thinking styles, which could leave out those who process things differently.
Sticking to a fixed list of 24 strengths may not capture the full complexity of human character, and sometimes it oversimplifies personality into neat categories.
Future Directions for the VIA Survey
The VIA Survey keeps changing as positive psychology research moves forward. Over 30 million people have taken it, and about 10,000 more jump in every day—so there’s a lot of room for it to grow and improve.
Researchers want to make the VIA Survey feel more personal. They’re looking at ways to create versions for different ages, cultures, and even specific jobs. It’s not just a one-size-fits-all thing anymore.
Tech is starting to play a bigger role too. Imagine getting instant feedback about your strengths through a phone app, or maybe even some helpful nudges from an AI tool when you need them most. That’s the kind of stuff people are working on.
As more folks from around the world take the survey, researchers can tweak it to fit different cultures better. After all, what counts as a strength in one place might look totally different somewhere else.
People are also digging into how character strengths connect with things like well-being, resilience, or how you do at work. Maybe future versions will blend in some of those findings, which could make the survey even more useful.
Workplaces might start using the VIA Survey in new ways, like for team-building or leadership development. If organizations really tap into everyone’s strengths, who knows what they could achieve?
And then there’s education. Schools could roll out versions that fit kids at different ages, helping students spot and build on their strengths right from the start.