Which positive personality traits do people want to change?

Abstract

Recent studies suggested that most people want to change some of their personality traits, typically those they and others perceive to be lacking. However, change goals have not been studied in the context of character strengths despite the popularity of character strengths-based interventions. In this study, we investigate (1) to what extent people want to change their character strengths and how character strengths change goals relate to (2) character strength levels, (3) age, and (4) well-being. A sample of N = 2,792 German-speaking adults (79.2% women; median age = 46 years) completed measures of character strengths, character strengths change goals, and well-being. For a subsample, n = 1,970 close others (51.8% women; median age = 46 years) provided informant ratings of character strengths. Results showed that (1) participants wanted to increase all 24 character strengths. The character strengths of zest, hope, self-regulation, bravery, creativity, perseverance, love, gratitude, and humor yielded the greatest desire for positive change. Overall, character strengths change goals negatively related to (2) self- and informant-rated levels of character strengths, (3) age, and (4) well-being. People want to change their character strengths for the better, particularly those they lack and that are most strongly related to well-being.