Character Lab

Character Strengths

The Character Strengths framework is a set of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and intellectual character strengths that benefit the self and others. The list of strengths was created by Character Lab, a non-profit with the mission of advancing the science and practice of character development. The framework focuses on character strengths that are tied to achievement and wellbeing.

View All Term Definitions

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Breakdown by Domain


Domain Key

Cognitive
Emotion
Social
Values
Perspectives
Identity
  • Cognitive 6%
  • Emotion 24%
  • Values 35%
  • Perspectives 18%
  • Identity 18%

Key Features


Context & Culture

  • Notes that the eight strengths are not exhaustive and encourages teachers, students, and families to think about which strengths are most important to them and their communities
  • Some materials offered in Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Arabic

Developmental Perspective

  • No information or learning progression provided

Associated Outcomes

  • No information provided

Available Resources


Support Materials

  • Links to research papers and recommended resources such as books, news, related organizations, and more for each character strength
  • Videos and articles about character from experts in the field

Programs & Strategies

  • Character Playbooks, ready-to-use strategies/lesson plans for educators designed to build specific character strengths in middle and high school students
  • Character strength posters for the classroom

Measurement Tools

  • No information or tools provided

Key Publications