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Abstract: There has been limited focus in the disability field on assessing and intervening to promote strengths of character. However, character strengths have received significant attention in the broader field of positive psychology. This paper provides an overview of the growing science of character strengths and explores why and how character strengths are relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a strengths-based perspective in the disability field. We offer key concepts, research findings, and interventions from the science of character that can provide a framework for the intellectual and developmental disabilities field to begin to build on strengths of character to enhance the systems of supports and quality of life outcomes experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The study of character strengths has emerged within the field of positive psychology as a means of classifying and building on positive traits that reflect universal capacities for thinking, feeling, and behaving in ways that benefit oneself and others, and enhance valued life outcomes (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). This paper will provide an overview of the growing science of character and critically examine the relevance of the science of character for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Specifically, we will offer key concepts, research findings, and interventions from the science of character that can provide a framework for future research and applications of character strengths to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Science of Character
Beginning in the early 2000s, researchers began to focus on developing a scientific understanding of character. While the importance of character had been acknowledged throughout history, there had not been systematic attention to developing frameworks to identify, assess, and capitalize on strengths of character (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). Since this time, however, significant scholarship has been devoted to this topic and research has established the role of character strengths in understanding people and in promoting positive outcomes, including well-being, achievement, and leadership (Park, Peterson, & Seligman, 2004; Seligman, 2011). Further, a classification system for defining and categorizing character strengths emerged and provided guidance for researchers and practitioners working to build character strengths. This classification, the VIA Classification ofStrengths (Peterson & Seligman, 2004) (formerly referred to as the "Values in Action Classification") was developed to provide a consensual...