Background 

The nature and composition of well-being has long been debated in positive psychology. Several models have been proposed, and recent theorizations suggest that Seligman’s PERMA dimensions are to be considered pathways to realize subjective well-being, rather than a distinct well-being type. Furthermore, four additional “building blocks” have been categorized to precisely capture positive functioning at work, leading to the PERMA+4 framework.

Aims 

The present study adds another level of inquiry to the debate on the composition of well-being, by examining the role of the 24 character strengths, the six virtues, and overall character as the “building blocks of the building blocks” of life satisfaction, considering PERMA+4 as the mediating link between strengths and well-being.

Method 

A total of 5487 employees completed the VIA-IS-P, PERMA+4, and SWLS through the VIA Institute’s website. Using a factor score approach, considering true scores rather than sum scores, we fitted three saturated path models, with strengths (Model 1), virtues (Model 2), or character (Model 3) as predictors of both PERMA+4 and SWLS, and PERMA+4 as a predictor of SWLS only.

Results 

It emerged that single character strengths were mainly associated with PERMA+4 only and that PERMA+4 was consistently related to life satisfaction above and beyond character strengths and virtues. More specifically, hope (β = .35, p < .001, Model 1), the virtue of justice (β = .20, p < .001, Model 2), and overall character (β = .29, p < .001, Model 3) were all positively and directly related to PERMA+4 only. Courage was the only virtue also directly associated with life satisfaction (β = .15, p < .01), but this relationship was partially mediated by PERMA+4 itself (β = .07, p < .01).

Conclusion 

The present findings indicate that PERMA+4 dimensions may help bridge the gap between strengths and well-being, helping to explain how and why individuals with good character are also those who report higher life satisfaction.