Exploring an Athlete’s Character Strength Model Based on the Affective-Behavioral-Cognitive (ABC) Framework

The purpose of this study was to explore a character strength model for athletes based on positive psychology, specifically by employing the Affective-Behavioral-Cognitive(ABC) framework. While the existing Values in Action(VIA) classification effectively explains general well-being, its applicability in high-pressure sport environments has been limited, and conceptual confusion between psychological strengths and technical or physical advantages persists. To address these issues, this study adopted the integrated ABC framework as its theoretical basis and conducted a three-round Delphi survey with ten sport psychology experts. The findings revealed that athlete character strengths are structured into three higher-order domains: Affective Competence(Mental Power), Behavioral Competence(Action Power), and Cognitive Competence(Tactical Power). Specifically, the Affective domain consists of self-confidence, composure, focus, and optimism; the Behavioral domain includes perseverance, overcoming, mastery, and zest; and the Cognitive domain comprises judgment, analysis, learning, and creativity. The proposed ABC model highlights athletes’ psychological resources as core elements supporting performance and recovery, offering a structural framework that functions organically across the stages of preparation, performance, and recovery.