Description of the Questionnaire

The VIA Inventory of Strengths is a psychometric tool developed by Peterson and Seligman (2004) for the assessment of twenty-four character strengths, classified into six core virtues: wisdom and knowledge, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. The full version consists of ninety-six Likert-type questions on a five-point scale, ranging from “not at all true of me” to “very much true of me.” Completion takes approximately fifteen minutes and can be carried out either in paper form or electronically.

Analysis and Use of Data

Responses are coded numerically on a scale from one to five. For each of the twenty-four strengths, the average score of the corresponding items is calculated. Subsequently, the five strongest strengths, referred to as signature strengths, are identified. Statistical analysis may include the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient, factor analysis for the tool’s structure, as well as correlations with indicators of well-being, work performance, or academic achievement. The data can be used for personal development and coaching, for educational programs aimed at enhancing socio-emotional skills, and for corporate personnel development interventions.

Purpose

The purpose of the questionnaire is to identify and capture each individual’s positive psychosocial strengths, to enhance self-awareness and the use of personal potential, and to support interventions that improve quality of life, job satisfaction, and psychological resilience.

Calibration

The response scale ranges from one, corresponding to “not at all true,” to five, corresponding to “very much true.” Most scales demonstrate a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient greater than 0.70, while the tool’s validity has been confirmed across different cultures, including Greek translations. The calibration process includes analysis in a sample of at least three hundred participants for local validation, as well as testing internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

References

Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. Oxford University Press. Park, N., Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2006). Character strengths in fifty-four nations and the fifty US states. Journal of Positive Psychology, 1(3), 118–129. McGrath, R. E. (2015). Measurement invariance in translations of the VIA Inventory of Strengths. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 31(4), 231–238.