Moral competence and character strengths among adolescents: The development and validation of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth

ABSTRACT Moral competence among adolescents can be approached in terms of good character. Character is a multidimensional construct comprised of a family of positive traits manifest in an individual's thoughts, emotions and behaviours. The Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA‐Youth) is a self‐report questionnaire suitable for adolescents that measures 24 widely valued strength of character. Data from several samples bearing on the internal consistency, stability, and validity of the VIA‐Youth are described, along with what is known about the prevalence and demographic correlates of the character strengths it measures. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an interpretable four‐factor structure of the VIA‐Youth subscales: temperance strengths (e.g., prudence, self‐regulation), intellectual strengths (e.g., love of learning, curiosity), theological strengths (e.g., hope, religiousness, love), and other‐directed (interpersonal) strengths (e.g., kindness, modesty). The uses of the VIA‐Youth in research and practise are discussed along with directions for future research.