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Measuring the Virtues and Character Traits of Rehabilitation Clients: The Adapted Inventory of Virtues and Strengths

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Abstract

Purpose To develop the Adapted Inventory of Virtues and Strengths (AIVS), a measure of rehabilitation clients’ virtues and character traits. Methods Test items were devised through a multi-step procedure, and exploratory factor analysis was employed to derive the factor structure of the AIVS. Item-total correlation and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) were examined to test reliability of the AIVS. Results AIVS subscales include Emotional Transcendence, Practical Wisdom, Integrity, Courage, and Commitment to Action. Construct validity of this measure was evaluated by correlating AIVS factors with measures of resilience, life satisfaction, and four types of well-being: physical, psychological, financial, and family and social well-being. AIVS subscales of Emotional Transcendence and Commitment to Action were moderately correlated with life satisfaction and three well-being areas, including family and social, physical, and psychological life. Most of the correlation coefficients between AIVS Practical Wisdom, Courage and Integrity factors and measures of life satisfaction and well-being fell below r = .3. However, greater correlations were found between all AIVS factors and resilience. Reliability information was examined through internal consistency (coefficient alpha) for each AIVS subscale, as well as examination of item-total correlation analysis within each subscale. Internal consistency estimates for AIVS subscales ranged from .77 to .84. Conclusion The AIVS is a reliable measure when used with the studied sample; implications for studying virtue and character strengths in rehabilitation, as well as potential for clinical use of the AIVS, are addressed.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the input and advice from all Testing Item Review Panel participants (Drs. Fong Chan, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Denise Catalano, University of North Texas; Blain Fowers, University of Miami). Their knowledge, insight, perspective and suggestions allowed us to develop the Adapted Inventory of Virtues and Strengths (AIVS).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

    Jeong Han Kim, Christine A. Reid & Brian McMahon

  2. School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA

    Rene Gonzalez

  3. Department of Education, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea

    Dong Hun Lee

  4. Pain Medicine Associates PC, Johnson City, TN, USA

    Phillip Keck

Authors
  1. Jeong Han Kim
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  2. Christine A. Reid
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  3. Brian McMahon
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  4. Rene Gonzalez
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  5. Dong Hun Lee
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  6. Phillip Keck
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Jeong Han Kim or Dong Hun Lee.

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Kim, J.H., Reid, C.A., McMahon, B. et al. Measuring the Virtues and Character Traits of Rehabilitation Clients: The Adapted Inventory of Virtues and Strengths. J Occup Rehabil 26, 32–44 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-015-9619-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-015-9619-9

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