The implicit structure of positive characteristics


Autoria(s): Haslam, Nick; Bain, Paul; Neal, David
Data(s)

01/04/2004

Resumo

The implicit structure of positive character traits was examined in two studies of 190 and 100 undergraduates. Participants judged the pairwise covariation or semantic similarity of 42 positive characteristics using a sorting or a rating task. Characteristics were drawn from a new classification of strengths and virtues, the Five-Factor Model, and a taxonomy of values. Participants showed consistent patterns of perceived association among the characteristics across the study conditions. Multidimensional scaling yielded three consistent dimensions underlying these judgments (“warmth vs. self-control,” “vivacity vs. decency,” and “wisdom vs. power”). Cluster analyses yielded six consistent groupings—“self-control,” “love,” “wisdom,” “drive,” “vivacity,” and “collaboration”—that corresponded only moderately to the virtue classification. All three taxonomies were systematically related to this implicit structure, but none captured it satisfactorily on its own. Revisions to positive psychology’s classification of strengths are proposed.

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/83071/

Publicador

Sage Publications, Inc.

Relação

DOI:10.1177/0146167203261893

Haslam, Nick, Bain, Paul, & Neal, David (2004) The implicit structure of positive characteristics. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30(4), pp. 529-541.

Fonte

Faculty of Health; School of Psychology & Counselling

Palavras-Chave #170109 Personality Abilities and Assessment #170113 Social and Community Psychology #character #implicit personality theory #positive psychology #strengths #virtue
Tipo

Journal Article