Character Strengths and Mindfulness as Core Pathways to Meaning in Life

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the contribution of strengths of character and mindfulness to the sense of meaning in life across central life domains, such as work, education, and family. Our conceptualization of character strengths is based on the universal VIA Classification of 24 character strengths, which are hierarchically organized across six broader virtue categories (Peterson and Seligman, Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2004). We discuss empirical findings regarding various aspects of character strengths: strengths endorsement, strengths deployment, general strengths, and specific strengths. We then discuss mindfulness meditation and related practices; beginning with core concepts, followed by research findings around mindfulness practices and manualized programs. Next, we turn to a review of what is known about the integration of character strengths and mindfulness, followed by an examination of meaning, the integration of meaning and character strengths, and the integration of meaning and mindfulness, from conceptual and scientific frameworks. This culminates to an articulation of practice considerations. Here, we examine two domains: (1) targeted interventions, which reflect this research (i.e., “sources of meaning,” “strengths alignment,” and “what matters most?”), and (2) a multi-faceted character strengths program, Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), aimed to increase the meaningful life. We conclude with suggestions for future research.