Intentional Strategies for Changing Character Traits

Parents wonder how to instill virtues in their children, educators seek effective ways to build character in their students, and researchers study how moral qualities can be cultivated in citizens. This Element examines how insights from personality psychology and intervention science can inform practical approaches to character development.

How to develop good character is a question that resonates with many people. Parents wonder how to instill virtues in their children, educators seek effective ways to build character in their students, and researchers study how moral qualities can be cultivated in citizens. This broad interest reflects a fundamental human concern: can we intentionally develop better character? Although different stakeholders may emphasize different aspects-from parental focus on raising ethical children to organizational interest in developing principled leaders; to therapists and counselors focused on individual self-improvement; as well as software developers considering how games and online learning environments support curiosity, interest, and knowledge —they share a common goal of understanding how to foster positive character development. This Element speaks to these varied interests by examining how insights from personality psychology and intervention science can inform practical approaches to character development.