Self-regulation
As one of the character strengths of temperance, self-regulation can also be referred to as self-control or self-discipline. The expressions of self-regulation and its constructs refer to how a person exerts control over his or her impulses and behaviour so as to pursue their goals while maintaining their moral standards. It can also mean a rhythm of life that facilitates self-efficacy (Bandura, 1999). “Delay of gratification constitutes an important paradigm of self-regulation,” implying that a person with self-regulation is able to resist the temptation to choose an immediate, small reward in order to obtain a larger benefit, even if the latter was delayed (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p.500).
- I am a highly disciplined person.
- I can always stay on a diet.
- I can always say “enough is enough.”
Hope
“Hope, optimism, future-mindedness, future-orientation represent a cognitive, emotional, and motivational stance towards the future” (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p.570). In more precise terms, this stance consists in “expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it; believing that a good future is something that can be brought about” (Peterson, 2006, p.33). In simple terms hope is expressed in optimism and positive outlook about life and people around. Hope is related to future orientation, and an adequate grasp of the meaning of life and existence. Hope flows from human ability to imagine, that is, to see what is not here and now. From this ability flows an outlook that all is going to be well. This sense of hope could often emanate from one’s belief in the existence of a greater power, and/or from a humanistic acceptance of the goodness of humanity. Optimism and hope are measured by items like:
- I can always find the positive in what seems negative to others.
- Despite challenges, I always remain hopeful about the future.
Gratitude
Gratitude includes an appropriate response to receiving gifts; gift is understood as a reward that was beyond what one worked for. This includes then being aware of, and thankful for, the good things that happen in life. The three components of gratitude proposed by Fitzgerald (1998) have been generally accepted by psychologists: (a) a warm sense of appreciation for somebody or something; (b) a sense of goodwill toward that person or thing, and (c) a disposition to act on what flows from appreciation and goodwill (see also Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p.555; Emmons & McCullough, 2004, p.5). Gratitude flows from the appreciation of the nature and purpose of the universe and one’s place in it. It also becomes an expression of hope and optimism; and often overflows into interpersonal relationships. Gratitude is assessed through items like:
- I always express my thanks to people who care about me.
- At least once a day, I stop and count my blessings.
Wisdom
Perspective or wisdom is conceptualised “in terms of wise processes, wise products, or wise people” (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p.182). It is distinct from intelligence, and represents a higher level of knowledge and judgement. Wisdom is closely related to self knowledge, meaning of life, and being able to use right judgement in relationships. Thus, this special type of knowledge is used for the well-being of oneself and others. In this way, wisdom has intra- and inter-personal dimensions (Kunzmann & Stange, 2007, p.306). Here are some samples of items that measure perspective:
- I have never steered a friend wrong by giving bad advice.
- People describe me as “wise beyond my years.”
- I am always able to look at things and see the big picture.