Curiosity as a Character Strength

Welcome to our series looking at the 24 VIA Character strengths in Positive Psychology. In this article, I am going to be looking at Curiosity, why it is recognised as a character strengths, and how you can develop it. Curiosity is a character strength that is characterized by the intrinsic desire to learn and explore new things. It is the foundation of creativity and innovation, driving individuals to seek knowledge, ask questions, and challenge conventional wisdom. Curiosity is not only an individual trait but also a necessary skill for success in the modern world.

If you haven’t done so before, you can find out more about the 24 Character strengths and take the free survey to find out more about your own strengths at the VIA website, VIACharacter.org. Enjoy!

Why is Curiosity a Character Strength?

Curiosity has been recognized as a character strength by several researchers and practitioners in the field of positive psychology. According to the VIA Classification of Character Strengths, curiosity is defined as “an interest in exploring and discovering new information and experiences, asking questions, and delving into unexplored areas” (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).

Curiosity is considered a strength because it has numerous benefits for individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Research has shown that individuals who are curious tend to be more engaged, creative, and innovative in their work (Kashdan et al., 2009). They are more likely to seek out new experiences and opportunities, which can lead to personal growth and development.

Curiosity is also associated with higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction. When individuals are curious, they are more likely to be fully present in the moment and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment (Todd & Kashdan, 2009). Additionally, curiosity can help individuals cope with stress and adversity, as it encourages them to approach challenges with a growth mindset and seek out new solutions and perspectives (Kashdan et al., 2013).

Curiosity is not only a personal strength but also a critical skill for success in the modern world. In today’s rapidly changing and complex society, individuals who are curious are better equipped to navigate new challenges and adapt to changing circumstances (Hassin, 2017). Curiosity is essential for lifelong learning and development, as it encourages individuals to seek out new information and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field.

The Importance of Curiosity

Curiosity is essential for personal and professional growth and development. It is a key driver of innovation and creativity, as it encourages individuals to explore new ideas and approaches. When individuals are curious, they are more likely to challenge conventional wisdom and think outside the box, leading to breakthroughs and advancements in various fields.

Curiosity also plays a critical role in learning and development. When individuals are curious, they are more motivated to seek out new information and engage in activities that promote learning. This can lead to improved academic and job performance, as individuals who are curious are more likely to take on challenging tasks and persist in the face of setbacks (Kashdan et al., 2009).

In addition to personal benefits, curiosity also has significant social benefits. When individuals are curious, they are more likely to seek out diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations with others. This can lead to improved relationships and a greater understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

How to Develop Curiosity

Like all of the other 23 character strengths, Curiosity is a trait that can be developed and strengthened over time. Here are some strategies for cultivating curiosity:

Ask questions.

One of the most effective ways to develop curiosity is to ask questions. When individuals ask questions, they are signaling to themselves and others that they are interested in learning more and exploring new ideas. Asking questions can also help individuals to challenge their assumptions and consider new perspectives.

Seek out new experiences.

Curiosity is often sparked by new experiences and challenges. Individuals can develop their curiosity by seeking out new opportunities and trying new things. This can include exploring new hobbies, traveling to new places, or taking on new challenges at work.

Challenge assumptions.

Curiosity is often fueled by a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and question assumptions. Individuals can develop their curiosity by actively seeking out different perspectives and considering alternative points of view. This can involve exposing oneself to a variety of media sources, engaging in conversations with people who hold different beliefs, and actively seeking out different viewpoints in order to challenge one’s own biases.

Cultivate a growth mindset.

A growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. Individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to take on challenges and persist in the face of setbacks, which can help to foster curiosity and promote personal growth and development.

Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing one’s attention on the present moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness can help individuals to become more attuned to their own thoughts and feelings, which can promote curiosity and self-awareness.

Embrace uncertainty.

Curiosity often involves exploring areas of uncertainty and ambiguity. Individuals can develop their curiosity by embracing uncertainty and becoming comfortable with the unknown. This can involve taking calculated risks and experimenting with new ideas and approaches.

Stay informed.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest news and developments in one’s field can help to promote curiosity and foster a sense of intellectual curiosity. This can involve reading books, attending conferences, and staying up-to-date with the latest research in one’s field.

Learn from failure.

Failure is an inevitable part of any learning process, and individuals who are curious are more likely to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and development. By reflecting on past failures and learning from mistakes, individuals can develop their curiosity and become more resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Curiosity is a character strength that is essential for personal and professional growth and development. It is a key driver of innovation and creativity, and is critical for success in the modern world. Individuals can develop their curiosity by asking questions, seeking out new experiences, challenging assumptions, cultivating a growth mindset, practicing mindfulness, embracing uncertainty, staying informed, and learning from failure. By developing their curiosity, individuals can cultivate a sense of intellectual curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives, which can lead to personal growth and development and a greater sense of fulfillment and well-being.

References:

Kashdan, T. B., Rose, P., & Fincham, F. D. (2004). Curiosity and exploration: Facilitating positive subjective experiences and personal growth opportunities. Journal of Personality Assessment, 82(3), 291-305. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa8203_05

Kashdan, T. B., Gallagher, M. W., Silvia, P. J., Winterstein, B. P., Breen, W. E., Terhar, D., & Steger, M. F. (2009). The curiosity and exploration inventory-II: Development, factor structure, and psychometrics. Journal of Research in Personality, 43(6), 987-998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2009.04.011

Kashdan, T. B., Stiksma, M. C., Disabato, D. J., McKnight, P. E., Bekier, J., Kaji, J., & Lazarus, R. (2013). The five-dimensional curiosity scale: Capturing the bandwidth of curiosity and identifying four unique subgroups of curious people. Journal of Research in Personality, 47(4), 479-493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2017.11.011

Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. Oxford University Press.