Empirical study of viability as a personality resource is considered. Initially, by means of formulating constructs (in keeping with the G. Kelly’s theory) the experts determined personality traits estimation criteria contributing to effective coping behavior. Then the authors tried to identify viability and specific features of behavior and experiences related to professional activity of Russian and Buryat respondents. The results of the study show that in contemporary young people’s view the image of a viable person is associated with social attractiveness and activity, and at the same time with tendency to idealize and infantilism. Significant differences with reference to ethno-identity were only on the factors «social support» (the Buryats) and «life satisfaction» (the Russians).