This is a set of 50 character strength cards derived from the VIA Character Strengths.  These character strengths were initially developed through the initiative of renowned psychologist Martin Seligman during his tenue as president of the American Psychological Association.  Seligman focused on the theme of positive psychology, and his goal was to create a means to communicate about the best qualities of people.  Following extensive research by Seligman and others, the VIA Institute on Character established a free online survey measuring the 24 identified character strengths.  The idea behind the character strengths is that everyone possess all 24 of the strengths, and yet those which shape us are identified as the “signature” strengths.  Qualities that typify one’s signature strengths are being essential, feeling effortless, and experienced as energizing.

As the short booklet accompanying this card set suggests, the character strengths have utility in various settings, including therapy, education, training, and coaching.  The cards are intended as an additional teaching tool when utilizing the character strengths.  The authors completing the free VIA survey (available at www.viacharacter.org) before using this card set.  This is one potential drawback of this product—i.e., one needs to first take an online survey in order to use this product as intended.

The cards in this set are about the size and feel of playing cards.  There are four types of cards, each with a different colored border.  The first type is a complete set of 24 character strength cards, each with a graphical representation of all 24 strengths on one side and then a description of the particular strength on the reverse.  The strength information includes how that strength is optimally used as well possible manifestations of underuse.  In addition to the individual strength cards, there are 6 virtue cards.  The virtues are the general qualities governing the strengths, with each virtue being made up of 3-5 individual character strengths.  The set also provides 4 information cards; these list all of the strengths and related virtues, explain not only the character strengths but also the signature strengths and virtues, offer additional readings, and discuss how to utilize the final type of cards, the intervention cards.  There are 16 intervention cards designed as exercises for exploring the strengths.  These have different themes such as explore strengths, develop strengths, appreciate strengths, balance strengths, and apply strengths.  The included booklet describes all of the above and offers specific suggestions for utilizing the card set.

The target audience for this product is perhaps narrow, although I definitely fit within that group.  As a psychologist working in a college setting, not only have I taken the VIA Survey myself as part of professional development exercises, but also I have used the VIA Survey with my college student therapy clients.  I have found strengths exploration to be a useful tool for self-discovery, confidence building, and decision-making, and I believe that these cards will be a valuable adjunct to my work with clients.  I would definitely recommend this set to therapists and also see the cards as having applicability to other types of settings as noted above.

© 2019 Beth Cholette

Beth Cholette, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy to college students.