The Relationship of Character Strengths and Acceptance of Disability

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the 24 character strengths in Peterson and Seligman’s character strengths model with the 4 value changes in Beatrice Wright’s theory of disability acceptance. Two hundred seventy-four individuals with disabilities completed an online survey. SPSS was used to conduct four regression analyses—one for each of the four subscales of the Multidimensional Acceptance of Loss Scale (MALS). The 24 character strengths, which were measured by the Values in Action Inventory—72 (VIA-72), were entered in one block as predictors of each of the value changes associated with disability acceptance. Collectively, the 24 character strengths significantly predicted each of the 4 value changes in Wright’s theory, as measured by the MALS. Many of the individual character strengths were significantly associated with the value changes. Therefore, character strengths appear to enhance disability acceptance in people living with disabilities. The results provide support for the development of character strengths interventions for people with disabilities.