The Golden Mean Inventory: A new approach to studying character strengths imbalances across contexts

Abstract

We introduce a new instrument called the Golden Mean Inventory (GMI). Founded on the proposition that the evaluation of deficiencies or excesses in the use of character strengths represents an important extension of the understanding and applied use of character strength concepts, the GMI was developed as a 72-item instrument addressing what has been called underuse/‌optimal use/‌overuse in each of the 24 VIA character strengths in three contexts: work/‌school, relationships, and goal pursuit. Four a priori hypotheses were largely supported. Relationships with demographic variables were generally negligible. The GMI potentially detects both positive and problematic strengths use, idiographic patterns of strengths use, and context-specific patterns of strengths use. The evidence provided here raises important questions about whether high scores on measures of positive functioning combine individuals who are operating in a highly effective manner with others who are demonstrating “too much of a good thing.”