Differences in Character Among U.S. College Students
Author(s): M. Alexis Karris, W. Edward Craighead
Abstract: This study explored the character strengths of undergraduate student participants (N=759) using paper-and-pencil versions of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) questionnaire. Overall, participants favorably endorsed possessing each of the 24 character strengths measured. Student participants most frequently endorsed the character strengths of humor, love, kindness, integrity, and social intelligence. Participants least often endorsed modesty/humility, self-regulation, spirituality, love of learning, and prudence. Character strength endorsement was generally the same across age, ethnicity, relationship status, years of education, and work status. Significant gender differences were found for 11 of the 24 character strengths: kindness/generosity, intimacy, gratitude, forgiveness, appreciation of beauty and excellence, prudence, equity/fairness, leadership, creativity, valor, and self-regulation. Implications of the major findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Keywords: College students; Character; Values; Strengths
Pages: 69-80
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