Faculty Scholarship
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2017
Publication Title
Psychology of Religion and Spirituality
Abstract
The virtues are a central focus of research at the intersection of positive psychology and the psychology of religion and spirituality. Humility, patience, and gratitude are addressed in the target articles of this special issue. Beyond examining each individual virtue, we argue here that the connections among virtues also warrant empirical attention. Specifically, we explain the unity of the virtues thesis, which suggests that individual virtues may be a part of a larger overarching construct, which we propose may be practical wisdom, or simply general virtuousness. Similarly, we propose that a common mechanism, such as automatic self-regulation, may facilitate these virtuous expressions. Thus, despite differences in content and expression, most virtues may have a common overarching construct and undergirding mechanism.
Recommended Citation
Root Luna, Lindsey M.; VanTongeren, Daryl R.; and Witvliet, Charlotte, "Virtue, Positive Psychology, and Religion: Consideration of an Overarching Virtue and an Underpinning Mechanism" (2017). Faculty Scholarship. 14.
https://repository.belmont.edu/psy_neuro_faculty/14
Comments
©American Psychological Association, 2017. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the APA journal. Please do not copy or cite without author's permission. The final article is available, upon publication, at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/rel0000127.