It is true that most psychologists breathed a sigh of relief when personality traits narrowed from the hundreds to the Big Five. However, a couple of researchers believed the Big Five could do with some fine-tuning.
In particular, one study, from the University of Melbourne divided each of the Big Five Traits into two sub-divisions. Not only that but researchers suggest that it is these smaller traits that give us clues to the psychology of happiness.
Full article here - from a search of character traits happiness - this was a littl unexpected? But timely? -
The science of positive psychology has revealed several character strengths that are particularly connected with higher levels of happiness. Over and over again studies show these five strengths might be considered “the happiness strengths”:
Are you high in any of these character strengths? According to research by the VIA Institute, over 75 percent of people have one of these strengths in their top 5.
Looking to boost one of these strengths? No problem. There are plenty of tips to go around and research studies are revealing good benefits for people that focus on boosting these strengths. Here are some activities to get you started: