Topic
Character Strength towards Positive Psychology at The Workplace
Instructions
Your project will require you to complete two main tasks:
PART A: (60%) Write a literature review of four published articles/ academic book chapters on the topic of character strengths; and
PART B: (40%) Participate via daily UTSOnline announcements in a one week program of self-development that allows you to actively engage with the
topic in a way which improves your self-awareness and knowledge, including completing daily activities and a reflection task.
Answer Preview
One of the common observations in the reviewed literature is the heavy application of Value in Action (VIA) as a basis of defining character strengths and its relevance in Positive Psychology. Littman-Ovadia and Steger (2010) defined character strengths as similar to personality traits such that they describe the individual differences, and explains different people have varying degrees of expressing thoughts, emotions and behaviours. According to Littman-Ovadia and Steger (2010), character strengths explain the different aspects of social interactions, including gratitude, love and altruistic association. Similarly, applied VIA classification as a basis of understanding character strengths and how they affect human functioning. In particular, the authors detail the relevance of 24 character strengths in explaining individual differences among people. These include cognitive strengths such as judgment and creativity, emotional strengths such as honesty and perseverance, interpersonally strengths such as social intelligence and kindness, civil strengths such as prudence and forgiveness, and strengths of transcendence such as humor and hope. A similar approach is adopted by Ruch et al. (2018), Miglianico et al. (20190), and Clifford (2011), although Clifford (2011) considered Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) model as just one way of defining character strength. According to her, strengths can be applied interchangeably with skills and talents. As such, literature underscores Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) view that character strengths are the core constructs of moral virtues, and can manifest at the emotional, cognitive and behavioral levels.
Word Count: 1900