The assessment as intervention: character strengths use outcomes following completion of the VIA Inventory of Strengths

Character strengths assessments may function as brief positive psychological interventions, yet this possibility has received limited empirical attention. This study examined self-perceived well-being impacts following completion of the VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS). Using a retrospective email survey, 3,599 adults reported outcomes a mean of 89 days (SD = 35.91) after VIA-IS completion. Over 80% found the experience meaningful, 74% reported enhanced self-awareness, and over 60% noted increased confidence and improved capacity to manage challenges. Approximately 54% reported greater optimism, 50% greater gratitude, and 49% improved overall well-being. Hope, gratitude, and zest were most consistently associated with positive outcomes. Elapsed time showed negligible relationships with outcomes, suggesting effects stabilize within the first month. Participants who established a regular strengths practice showed substantially higher scores than those who took no action (d = 1.0–1.4). Implications for mental health promotion are discussed.