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Journal of Happiness Studies

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01.03.2013 | Research Paper

Testing Strengths-Based Interventions: A Preliminary Study on the Effectiveness of a Program Targeting Curiosity, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, and Zest for Enhancing Life Satisfaction

verfasst von: René T. Proyer, Willibald Ruch, Claudia Buschor

Erschienen in: Journal of Happiness Studies | Ausgabe 1/2013

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Abstract

The study compares the impact of character strengths-based positive interventions in a sample of 178 adults. An experimental group that trained strengths of the Values-in-Action classification that typically correlate highly with life satisfaction (curiosity, gratitude, hope, humor, and zest) was compared in its gain in life satisfaction with a group that trained strengths that usually demonstrate low correlations with life satisfaction (appreciation of beauty and excellence, creativity, kindness, love of learning, and perspective) and a wait-list control group. If pre and post measures in life satisfaction were compared, the group with the strengths most correlated with life satisfaction improved significantly (statistically) in their satisfaction in comparison to a control group. This could be interpreted as support for the idea that primarily those strengths that correlate highly with life satisfaction should be addressed in strengths-based interventions. When asked for subjective ratings of well-being after the interventions concluded, participants in both intervention groups indicated gains above that of a wait-listed control group. Further analyses underscore the special role of self-regulation in facilitating success in the interventions. Overall, the data underline the potential of strength-based interventions for improving human well-being.

Vorheriger Artikel The Role of Gratitude in Breast Cancer: Its Relationships with Post-traumatic Growth, Psychological Well-Being and Distress

Nächster Artikel Life Satisfaction and the Self: Structure, Content, and Function

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We focus on life satisfaction as the cognitive component of subjective well-being only and aim at studying the contribution of strength-based interventions on the individual’s fulfillment.

It is acknowledged that labeling this group as “control group” may technically not be fully correct but we wanted to express that is a control group for the effects of the intervention in the highly correlated strengths group.

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Titel: Testing Strengths-Based Interventions: A Preliminary Study on the Effectiveness of a Program Targeting Curiosity, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, and Zest for Enhancing Life Satisfaction
verfasst von: René T. Proyer
Willibald Ruch
Claudia Buschor
Publikationsdatum: 01.03.2013
Verlag: Springer Netherlands
Erschienen in: Journal of Happiness Studies / Ausgabe 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1389-4978
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-7780
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9331-9

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