In 2004, a team of 55 researchers and scientists constructed a positive version of the DSM called Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. Six universally recognized virtues and 24 additional character strengths were outlined and operationalized.
Our brains our designed to notice dysfunction much more readily than adaptive functioning, as we are all biased to better attend to, recall and respond to the bad versus the good. Nowhere is this more true than reality television where we as viewers jump on and notice moments of dysfunction like private eyes chasing down clues. We tend to miss the positive.
If you've been following The Challenge: Rivals, an MTV-based reality show in which former cast members of Real World shows compete with each to win monetary prizes, then you'll know that the remaining members are named Adam K, Cara Maria, Wes, Kenny, CT, Evelyn, Johnny, Jenn, Paula, Tyler, Laurel, Michael, and Leroy. In an effort to balance out our view of them I've identified a character strength unique to each cast member.
Adam K - He seems to express a character strength known as 'Forgiveness and Mercy,' or the ability to forgive those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful. Look at what his partner, CT, did to him on past challenges (practically causing PTSD with a single punch), and what Jenn is doing to him now (making out with him one moment and talking trash about him the next). And note how he's responding with serene acceptance and ongoing cooperation - he's the forgiveness master.
Cara Maria - She clearly exhibits the character strength known as 'kindness,' or generosity, nurturance, compassion; doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them. She oozes this quality, which is what incites Laurel's big sister persona, and makes Wes get on his knees to beg for forgiveness after playing pranks on her (see the most recent after show for more).
CT - He has shown, at times, prudent 'perspective' or the character strength of providing wise counsel to others, and looking at the world in a way that makes sense to self and others. This is the quality that has a parade of women lining up at his door (i.e. Mandi and, later, Laurel). He's not romancing them, he's sitting there with his glasses, in conversational mode, reflecting upon and analyzing the events around him. This ability underlies not just his appeal to the opposite sex but his own ability to cope peacefully with being ostracized by the group.
Evelyn - She is quite the perseverer, that is, she is marked with the character strength associated with industriousness, in which she finishes what she starts despite obstacles and takes pleasure in completing tasks. This is what defines her performances, as she constantly prepares (mentally and physically) for the obstacles of the challenges and revels in overcoming them (which she often does).
Johnny - He demonstrates a critical thinking character strength of 'judgment and open-mindedness' or the ability to think things through and examine them from all sides. Perhaps he was humbled by previous humiliating challenges, but whatever the trigger Johnny now displays this type of calm thought processes in evaluating his partner (Tyler), reflecting on his performance during challenges and predicting the ways in which he can politic his way into the Finals.
Kenny - Kenny has had a rough challenge, underperforming in the many physical tasks the contestants are asked to do, but one strength that he has shown in a patterned way throughout his tenure is leadership or the character strength tied to encouraging a group to get things done, while maintaining good relations within the group. It's embodied in the way that he carries himself, in the conciliatory gestures that others make toward him (particularly the females), and the weight of his voice during deliberations.
Wes - During the recent challenges Wes has exhibited bravery, or not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. His bravery is more physical and relates to a relentless attitude in which he puts the fate of his team on his back and performs admirably under pressure.
Jenn - She shows a character strength of zest, or vitality, enthusiasm, vigor, energy; approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or halfheartedly; living life as an adventure. This is a defining feature of her persona and underlies Adam's attraction to her, as well as her elevated status on the show.
Paula - Paula is defined by her gratitude, a character strength that involves being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen. Is there anyone who is more thankful after a victorious challenge?
Tyler - He shows good teamwork or a sense of social responsibility and loyalty; working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group. His newfound chemistry with Johnny and his team's general success is a result of his efforts toward improving the relationship and communicating well during challenges.
Laurel - Her most striking character strength feels like a rather new development (based upon past challenge behavior), and relates to modesty and humility, or letting one's accomplishments speak for themselves. She has performed very well in challenges but instead of using that as an excuse to aggrandize and promote self, she derives motivation and post-game attitude from a selfless place. She works for her team, she works to better her partner's reputation and when she uses her strength to embarrasses her opponents she does so in a gently humble manner.
Leroy - He displays social intelligence or an awareness of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick. He is a rookie on the show and prideful and yet he is one of the few cast members who has yet to be embroiled in an interpersonal dispute. This is why.
Michael - Everyone immediately notes the character strength in Michael. It is honesty, or authenticity; speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way without pretense. He came on the show late but become one of the more popular cast members rather quickly, not just because 'honesty' happens to be his most striking character strength but because it is a strength that to arise so rarely on such publicity-seeking shows as this one.
