Measuring Global Character Dimensions: An Ant Colony Optimization Approach Towards Three Core Strengths Scales

Abstract

The Values in Action (VIA) framework encompasses 24 universally valued character strengths. Recent factor-analytic work has identified three global core strengths (metatraits) that proved to be well-interpretable and cross-culturally replicable: positivity, dependability, and mastery. So far, there are no scales to measure these core strengths. In the present study, we applied an Ant Colony Optimization algorithm to select three 6-item scales from the 96-item IPIP-VIA-R inventory. Thereby, we constructed balanced-keyed scales that cover the heterogeneous constructs well, showed good model fit and reliability across six samples from Germany and the U.K. (total N = 2,754), and achieved scalar measurement invariance across countries. Furthermore, we demonstrated the scales’ validity by locating the three core strengths in a nomological net with personality and value metatraits, life satisfaction, and behavioral criteria. Available in the public domain, these both valid and economic core strengths scales may further stimulate integrative research on personality and values.