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Is Awareness of Strengths Intervention Sufficient to Cultivate Wellbeing and Other Positive Outcomes?

Author

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  • Tohar Dolev-Amit

    (University of Haifa)

  • Avinadav Rubin

    (University of Haifa)

  • Sigal Zilcha-Mano

    (University of Haifa)

Abstract

Contemporary theories of wellbeing have offered an alternative to traditional psychology by emphasizing strengths rather than weaknesses as a means of leveraging growth and improvement. The present study examined whether cost-effective strengths interventions through self-reflection on strengths versus weaknesses, without teaching or feedback, can bring positive outcomes and limit the negative effects that the first university examination period has on first-year students. One hundred and three students were randomly assigned to three conditions: focus on strengths, focus on weaknesses, or focus on neutral experiences. The students kept a weekly written record of their experiences. Participants completed self-report questionnaires examining psychological wellbeing, psychological distress, positive and negative affect, self-esteem, and optimistic and pessimistic views of the future at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Results indicate that reflecting on strengths for a 5-week period prior to exams prevented the surfacing of negative emotions and distress, as well as a decline in wellbeing due to the impending examination period. The intervention also enhanced feelings of optimism about the future. Baseline levels of self-esteem and positive affect determined who would achieve the greatest improvement in mood by reflecting on strengths. In conclusion, the study findings suggest that awareness-of-strengths interventions elicit more desirable psychological outcomes than do interventions focused on weaknesses or on neutral events. The study also shows that cost-effective, easy-to-administer strengths interventions can produce positive outcomes. Implications for consulting are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Tohar Dolev-Amit & Avinadav Rubin & Sigal Zilcha-Mano, 2021. "Is Awareness of Strengths Intervention Sufficient to Cultivate Wellbeing and Other Positive Outcomes?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 645-666, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00245-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00245-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Claudia Harzer & Willibald Ruch, 2016. "Your Strengths are Calling: Preliminary Results of a Web-Based Strengths Intervention to Increase Calling," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 17(6), pages 2237-2256, December.
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    8. Fabian Gander & René Proyer & Willibald Ruch & Tobias Wyss, 2013. "Strength-Based Positive Interventions: Further Evidence for Their Potential in Enhancing Well-Being and Alleviating Depression," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 1241-1259, August.
    9. Maria Christina Meyers & Marianne Woerkom, 2017. "Effects of a Strengths Intervention on General and Work-Related Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Positive Affect," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 671-689, June.
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