Personality

Two positive psychologists, Martin Seligman (from the University of Pennsylvania) and Christopher Peterson (the VIA Institute on Character's scientific director), who published the handbook Character Strengths and Virtues (the "un-Diagnostic and... Full Answer

Researchers investigated whether self-compassionate people were more compassionate toward others. As it turns out, they were not. In fact, the research suggested that people who are self-critical are often more likely to be compassionate toward others... Full Answer

In positive psychology, the virtue of humanity is associated with interpersonal strengths that help you befriend others and tend to your relationships. Strengths associated with humanity include: Social or emotional intelligence: Being aware of your... Full Answer

In positive psychology, strengths are built-in capacities for certain thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Certain strengths have been found to be the most closely linked to happiness (feelings of contentment or joy; the overall experience of pleasure,... Full Answer

Two positive psychologists, Martin Seligman (from the University of Pennsylvania) and Christopher Peterson (the VIA Institute on Character's scientific director), who published the handbook Character Strengths and Virtues (the "un-Diagnostic and... Full Answer

In positive psychology, the virtue of justice is associated with social or civic strengths that help bolster a healthy community. Strengths associated with justice include: Teamwork: Working well in a group. Displaying loyalty and responsibility... Full Answer

There is intriguing preliminary evidence that positive psychology techniques, in addition to preparing you for the ups and downs of life, can be valuable in times of stress, grief, or other difficulties. Here are some examples: Gratitude. People... Full Answer

A primary focus of positive psychology is to help people identify and build on their unique strong points. Experts are working to understand and describe character strengths as clearly as psychology has, in the past, studied the qualities that... Full Answer

Research has revealed a number of benefits of self-compassion. Lower levels of anxiety and depression have been observed in people with higher self-compassion, Kristin Neff, associate professor of human development at the University of Texas,... Full Answer

If your demeanor is more like the Grinch or Mr. Scrooge than Mary Poppins, you're more likely to experience heart trouble. So says the literature on personality traits and heart disease, which has linked hostility, anger, and social isolation to... Full Answer