College students (N = 298, 54% female) described a time when they acted courageously, then rated their courageous action on each of 24 Values in Action (VIA) strengths (Peterson & Seligman, 2004), and on general and personal courage (Pury, Kowalski, & Spearman, 2007). Three of the four strengths of Courage -- Persistence, Integrity, and Bravery -- had mean ranks placing them in the top five strengths, along with Hope, a strength of transcendence, and Kindness, a strength of humanity. Multiple strengths were associated with higher general courage (actions that would be courageous for anyone), lower personal courage (actions that are courageous only in the context of the specific actor’s life), or both. Thus, the presence of strengths seems to be more strongly associated with general courage compared to personal courage.
- courage,
- types of courage,
- human strengths,
- Values in Action
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