Are Measures of Character and Personality Distinct? Evidence From Observed-Score and True-Score Analyses

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Personality Science

Background:

• The VIA Classification of Character Strengths is a widely used framework.
• Understanding its relationship with established personality models is crucial for psychological research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the redundancy between VIA character strengths and personality facets.
• To determine the conceptual and predictive overlap between these two psychological constructs.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted with community and online samples (N=606 and N=498).
• Participants completed measures of VIA character strengths and various personality inventories (e.g., HEXACO, Five Factor Model).
• Analyses examined observed and true score overlap, assessing predictive and conceptual redundancy.

Main Results:

• Eight of 24 VIA scales were largely redundant with HEXACO facets; only one VIA scale overlapped significantly with Five Factor facets.
• Most VIA strength scales showed substantial overlap with at least one personality facet.
• The VIA Classification variables are strongly related to, but not redundant with, commonly measured personality facets.

Conclusions:

• The VIA model of character strengths and established personality models share significant overlap.
• While related, the VIA Classification offers unique insights beyond traditional personality facets.
• Further research can explore the distinct contributions of character strengths and personality traits.