This document discusses strengths theory and positive psychology. It defines strengths as pre-existing capacities that are authentic and energizing, enabling optimal functioning. Two main classification systems are described: Clifton StrengthsFinder measures 34 talent themes, while VIA Inventory of Strengths identifies 24 character strengths within six virtues. Well-being has three dimensions - emotional, psychological, and social - and flourishing involves high levels across all dimensions. Limitations in applying strengths approaches cross-culturally are noted.

1. Strengths Theory
CHAPTER 3: CLASSIFICATION AND MEASURES OF
STRENGTHS AND POSITIVE OUTCOMES

2. What we’re doing today:
1. Activity
2. Strengths Theory & definition of strength
3. Clifton StrengthsFinder
4. VIA Inventory of Strengths
5. Issues of equivalence in strengths measurement
6. Dimensions of well-being  flourish
7. Summary
8. What to expect for Tuesday’s discussion

3. Let’s get warmed up!
Identify your top strength (asset, proficiency)
When did you discover this was a strength?
Identify your top weakness (challenge, deficiency)
When did you discover this was a weakness?
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How difficult was it to come up with a strength on the spot? Was it broad or narrow in nature?
Could you recall a specific time of discovery, or have you always been strong in this area/trait?
How difficult was it to come up with a weakness? Was it broad or narrow in nature?
Could you recall a specific time of discovery, or have you always been weak in this area/trait?

4. Where Strengths Theory comes in…
Recognized people have a better grasp
on personal weaknesses; deficiency
approach
• Ex: grade school structure; clinical psychology
classification system of illnesses (DSM V)
Karl Menninger et al (1963): “Let us
imagine that one could set up a kind of
scale or yardstick to measure the
success of life”

5. What is “strength”?
“A strength is a pre-existing capacity for a
particular way of behaving, thinking, or
feeling that is authentic and energising to the
user, and enables optimal functioning,
development and performance.”
(Harrington, 2008)
Ability to identify and utilize strengths 
feel better, perform better, achieve more,
and lead more fulfilling lives.
(Linely & Harrington, 2006)

6. Classification Systems:
Clifton StrengthsFinder
Story of Rudy Ruettiger:
Inspiration or a
“misguided maxim”?

7. Classification Systems:
Clifton StrengthsFinder
Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D.; Father of
Strengths-Based Psychology
Measures strengths in talent (relatively
stable)
• talent x investment = strength
34 StrengthsFinder themes
Categorical
“You cannot be anything you want to be –
but you can be a lot more of who you
already are!” (Rath, 2007)

8. Values In
Action (VIA)
Inventory of
Strengths

9. Classification Systems:
VIA Inventory of Strengths
Martin E.P. Seligman & Christopher Peterson
(2004)
Strengths-based approach to treatment,
diagnoses
Personality assessment; measures character
strengths (growth, development)
Continuum
24 character strengths within six virtue
categories

10. Issues of Equivalence in Strength Measures
Predominantly Western ideologies
• Compare to other cultures outside US (e.g.
Collectivist cultures)
• Compare to ethnic/racial minorities in US
Construct equivalence
• Cultural normativity of constructs
Linguistic equivalence
• Idioms, phrases, vocabulary
Metric equivalence
• Likert scale: interpretations of values, use of
extremes (selecting 1 or 10) in some cultures

11. Dimensions of Well-being
Beyond “pursuit of happiness”
• Realizing strengths potential, authenticity
• Create meaning, in your life and in life of others
Subjective well-being
• Emotional well-being
Objective approaches to well-being
• Psychological well-being
• Social well-being

12. Flourishing
 Studied by both Martin
Seligman & Corey Keyes
 High levels of social,
emotional, psychological
well-being = flourishing
 Low levels of social,
emotional, psychological
well-being = languishing
 This is not a new
concept…

13. Dimensions of Well-being
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
MAIN POINT: Happiness is only one
component of positive emotional
well-being; other dimensions
involved
THREE DIMENSIONS OF
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
1. Happiness
2. Satisfaction with life
3. Positive/negative affect balance
• Positive Affect
• Absence of Negative Affect

14. Dimensions of Well-being
PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
Carol Ryff (1989) Interest in identifying
critical features of psychological well-
being
Model of psychological well-being
• Multi-dimensional (beyond happiness)
• Cross-cultural relevance
SIX DIMENSIONS OF POSITIVE
PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING
1. Self-acceptance
2. Personal growth
3. Purpose in life
4. Environmental mastery
5. Autonomy
6. Positive relations with others

15. Dimensions of Well-being
SOCIAL WELL-BEING
Corey L.M. Keyes (1998)
Interest in promoting assessment
of social well-being in addition to
psychological, emotional well-being
FIVE DIMENSIONS OF POSITIVE
SOCIAL FUNCTIONING
1. Coherence
2. Integration
3. Actualization
4. Contribution
5. Acceptance

16. Positive Psychology & Strengths:
A Summary
Strength: defined
Call for balanced view of weaknesses AND
strengths
Increased attention to understanding, identifying
strengths
Positive outcomes
Different measures, classifications
Dimensions of emotional, psychological, and
social well-being; flourish
Limitation: equivalence across cultures

17. Get ready to discover YOUR strengths!