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The Impact of Signature Character Strengths Interventions: A Meta-analysis

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  • Nicola S. Schutte

    (University of New England)

  • John M. Malouff

    (University of New England)

Abstract

This meta-analysis investigated the impact of interventions focused on using signature character strengths. The meta-analysis consolidated results of studies examining the effect of signature character strength interventions compared to control conditions. Twenty-nine effect sizes reported in fourteen articles allowed examination of several types of outcomes. Across nine studies investigating the impact of these interventions on increases in positive affect or happiness, signature character strength interventions had a significant impact, with a weighted Hedges’ g of 0.32. Across seven studies, interventions had a significant impact on decreases in depression, with a weighted Hedges’ g of 0.21. Across seven study samples, signature strengths had a significant impact on increasing life satisfaction, with a weighted Hedges’ g of 0.42. Only a small number of studies investigated other outcomes, resulting in low meta-analytic power for effect sizes for these outcomes. Of note is a significant effect size of Hedges’ g of 0.55 for increase in use of signature character strengths, based on just two studies, which suggests that signature character strength interventions do impact strengths as intended. The promising effects shown in existing studies indicate that signature strength interventions have the potential to contribute to beneficial outcomes in various areas of life and that more research on the impact of signature character strength interventions is warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola S. Schutte & John M. Malouff, 2019. "The Impact of Signature Character Strengths Interventions: A Meta-analysis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 1179-1196, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-018-9990-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-9990-2
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    10. Janine Shepherd & Melody Oliver & Grant Schofield, 2015. "Convergent Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of the Authentic Happiness Inventory in Working Adults," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 124(3), pages 1049-1058, December.
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    12. Susan L. Prescott & Jeffrey M. Greeson & Mona S. El-Sherbini & The Planetary Health Community Convened by the Nova Institute for Health, 2022. "No Health without Mental Health: Taking Action to Heal a World in Distress—With People, Places, and Planet ‘in Mind’," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-15, August.
    13. Datu, Jesus Alfonso D. & Jose Mateo, Nino, 2020. "Character strengths, academic self-efficacy, and well-being outcomes in the Philippines: A longitudinal study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    14. Susan L. Prescott, 2023. "Planetary Health Requires Tapestry Thinking—Overcoming Silo Mentality," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-6, February.
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    16. Tommaso Feraco & Nicole Casali & Chiara Meneghetti & Samuel Greiff & Giorgia Cona, 2023. "Is Good Character All that Counts? A Comparison Between the Predictive Role of Specific Strengths and a General Factor of “Good Character” Using a Bifactor Model," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(7), pages 2353-2376, October.
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    18. Tamar Blanchard & Todd Kerbeykian & Robert E. McGrath, 2020. "Why Are Signature Strengths and Well-Being Related? Tests of Multiple Hypotheses," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(6), pages 2095-2114, August.
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