Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
asrar street, mashhad, Iran
2
Department of Education, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.
10.22098/jpc.2026.15999.1270
Abstract
Aim: This study examined the psychometric properties and factorial structure of the Persian (Farsi) version of the VIA-IS-120 in an Iranian population.
Methods: Two independent samples of university students participated (Study 1: n = 309; Study 2: n = 271; age range = 18–57 years), recruited via convenience sampling. Internal consistency, gender and age differences, and convergent and divergent validity were examined using correlations with the Big Five personality traits, positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, and components of well-being. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted in Study 1, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Study 2.
Results: Most character strengths showed moderate internal consistency (α = .49–.77), with humility demonstrating lower reliability in Study 1. Gratitude was the only strength positively associated with age, and men scored higher than women on bravery, humor, and vitality. All character strengths correlated positively with positive affect and well-being indicators, supporting the convergent validity of these measures. Creativity, bravery, hope, curiosity, and vitality showed the strongest associations with positive affect, while hope, love, humor, and vitality were positively related to life satisfaction. Ten strengths demonstrated significant negative correlations with negative affect, supporting divergent validity. Associations with the Big Five were generally consistent with theoretical expectations but modest in magnitude. EFA supported a four-factor structure—courage, humanity, wisdom, and transcendence. CFA indicated that this four-factor model demonstrated superior parsimony compared to the original six-factor model.
Conclusion: The findings support the construct validity and cross-cultural applicability of the Persian VIA-IS-120.
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