Signature Strengths Frequency

(Aug. 13, 2008)

By Neal H. Mayerson, Ph.D.
Chairman, VIA Institute on Character

VIA was interested in answering the question: “With what frequency do the various character strengths show up as 'signature strengths' in individuals’ profiles?”

To answer this we looked at three random samples of 100 people each who have taken the VIA Survey.  The samples were from February, May, and July of 2008. 

We looked at the frequencies with which each of the 24 VIA character strengths were among people’s top five strengths.  That is, we looked at the frequencies with which each strength shows up as a “signature strength.”

The five most common signature strengths and their frequencies as such are: 
1.    Curiosity – 43%
2.    Love – 37%
3.    Fairness – 37%
4.    Judgment & Open-Mindedness – 34%
5.    Kindness – 32%

Close behind this top five are:
6.    Love of Learning – 31%
7.    Creativity – 29%
8.    Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence – 28%
9.    Honesty – 26%
10.  Humor – 26%

The least common signature strengths are:
•    Self-Regulation – 5%
•    Social Intelligence – 6%
•    Modesty & Humility – 8%
•    Zest – 8%
•    Prudence – 10%
•    Perspective – 10%

More frequency data