Character strengths and inner peace

Abstract

This research explored the relationships among inner peace and character strengths, both of which are understood to contribute to wellbeing, using a cross-sectional design. In Study One (N = 25,302), we examined individuals’ perceptions of the strengths most relevant to fostering a sense of inner peace. In Study Two (N = 21,201), we examined relationships among individuals’ scores on the 24 character strengths and serenity and harmony in life. Interestingly, the strengths individuals believed to be important for fostering inner peace (in Study One) were different from those found to actually correlate with measures of inner peace (in Study Two). Hope was most strongly associated with facets of serenity (inner haven, trust, and acceptance) and harmony in life. Our findings indicate that, hope, zest, and gratitude are likely primary facets of inner peace, with spirituality and forgiveness acting as secondary facets for inner peace. Implications and future directions are discussed.