Discrepancies in Signature Strengths Identification
Insights From Self-Nomination and via Assessment Across a Global Sample
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7147326 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Piotr Bialowolski (0000-0003-4102-0107, Kozminski University, corresponding author), Dorota Weziak-Bialowolska (0000-0003-2711-2283, Kozminski University), Ryan M Niemiec (0000-0002-3311-611X) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 1887-1918 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Applied Research in Quality of Life (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1871-2576 • E-ISSN: 1871-2584 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s11482-025-10498-y |
| OpenAlex | W4414917977 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 51 |
Signature strengths (SS) are the most central and prominent character strengths in a person’s profile. They can be self-nominated or identified as the top strengths in a character strengths profile. This study investigates discrepancies between self-identified signature strengths (S-SS) and those identified by the VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS). Data from a large international sample of 31,527 respondents from 142 countries were analyzed to compare S-SS and VIA-IS identified SS. Certain character strengths, such as fairness, appreciation of beauty, and prudence, were frequently overlooked in the self-nomination process despite ranking high according to the VIA-IS. Conversely, perseverance, creativity, and bravery were commonly regarded as SS by respondents, even if not reflected in the VIA-IS assessment. Humility, humor, judgment, and leadership were equally indicated as SS in both methods. Differences in the SS identification were associated with socio-demographic characteristics and, for some character strengths, with cultural contexts. The method of SS identification influences the choice of SS, revealing discrepancies that may indicate varying levels of self-awareness. Despite individual limitations, combining the VIA instrument with direct questioning could offer a more comprehensive and personalized understanding of an individual’s signature strengths, highlighting the importance of using both approaches to identify these strengths effectively
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Positive Psychology Progress
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |