A meeting of positive behaviors: The relations of three aspects of flexibility with character strengths

IntroductionThe adaptation of own plans and behaviors to new circumstances seems to be a desirable personal quality in the modern world. it has been assumed that adaptability cannot be transferred to a single character strength.MethodsThe present research examines this assumption using typical and daily behaviors of three aspects of flexibility (predictability, adaptability and orderliness) and 24 character strengths across two studies (N1 = 283, N2 = 188).ResultsFlexibility showed a consistent and large overlap with character strengths. Adaptability was positively related to most of the strengths. Predictability was positively related to humility and prudence, and orderliness to perseverance, prudence, and selfregulation.DiscussionThese results support our initial assumption and build a strong basis for further examining the relationships and interplay between flexibility and character strengths. They also constitute an important first step toward integrative positive interventions that target relevant aspects of flexibility and character.</jats:sec

Who is Flexible and Adaptive in Everyday Life?

Background: How flexible people react to changes, and adapt their behavior and plans, seems to be crucial in modern society. Nevertheless, no common conceptualization of flexibility exists in the psychological literature. Our work contributes to the scientific understanding of flexibility as a personality trait and offers a novel flexibility questionnaire. Methods and Results: An explorative study ( N = 279) examined three individual-difference concepts of flexibility and their relations with the Big Five personality traits. The results suggested that flexibility consists of predictability, adaptability, and orderliness can be assessed with 24 items (FS-24) and is distinguishable from the Big Five. A confirmatory study ( N = 188) replicated the three flexibility components and showed good test–retest reliability for the FS-24. Convergent and discriminant validity of the instruments need further scrutiny. Limitations: The present study is limited due to self-reports, and the specificity and size of the sample, which could be addressed in future studies. Conclusions: The FS-24 showed promising psychometric properties. The questionnaire has useful applications in personality research, organizational development, and counseling

Convergence and Psychometric Properties of Character Strengths Measures: The VIA-IS and the VIA-IS-R.

This study compares the German versions of the original measure of character strengths (VIA-IS) with its latest revision (VIA-IS-R) regarding reliability and convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity. A sample of 499 German-speaking adults (79% women, mean age: 33.3 years) provided self-reports of character strengths (VIA-IS, VIA-IS-R) and several criteria: Core virtues, thriving, and moral behaviors. Results suggested that both measures showed satisfactory internal consistency and converged well in a multitrait-multimethod analysis. Further, both measures were comparable regarding their relationships with the criteria. Overall, the results of the current study suggest that both questionnaires are reliable and valid, and that findings based on these instruments can be considered highly comparable

Stärkenbasierte Interventionen in der Positiven Psychologie. [Strengths-based interventions in Positive Psychology.]

Character strengths-based interventions are a subgroup of positive interventions and have been found to increase well-being, reduce depressive symptoms and contribute to other positive outcomes. Despite the large body of empirical evidence on the effectiveness of strengths-based interventions, their working mechanisms are still widely unknown. Strengths-based interventions can be applied in a variety of different contexts and settings such as in schools, workplaces, therapy or coaching. Despite a few exceptions, studies that systematically examine the effects of strengths-based interventions in different contexts are still scarce. It is essential to develop a common strengths language for research and application. Furthermore, more attention should be paid to the fit between the person and the intervention and other factors that might influence the effects of strengths-based interventions in designing strengths-based interventions and intervention studies