ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief overview of what constitutes one's character, personality, and psychological wellbeing. As a point of reference, the discussion of character focuses on the "master" or "cardinal" strengths of character. These "elevated" character strengths include valor, industry, integrity, critical thinking (wisdom), and self-regulation. The story of Jackie Robinson, who in 1947 broke the color line in Major League baseball, from an important part of American history, is highly relevant to the chapter on character, personality, and psychological wellbeing. While distinct from psychological wellbeing, aspects of one's character and personality play an integral role in determining not only one's current psychological wellbeing, but also can be instrumental in various intervention strategies charged with the goal of enhancing psychological wellbeing. The discussion of personality will focus on the "Big Five" personality traits of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and stability. The chapter also provides the framework for the role of character and personality in determining individual psychological wellbeing.
