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Journal of Happiness Studies

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14.11.2015 | Research Paper

Your Strengths are Calling: Preliminary Results of a Web-Based Strengths Intervention to Increase Calling

verfasst von: Claudia Harzer, Willibald Ruch

Erschienen in: Journal of Happiness Studies | Ausgabe 6/2016

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Abstract

Cross-sectional research indicated that the application of signature strengths at work seemed to be crucial for perceiving a job as a calling. The present study aimed at testing this assumed causality in a random-assignment, placebo-controlled web-based intervention study. The intervention group (n = 83) was instructed to use their four highest character strengths more often at work for 4 weeks. Meanwhile the control group (n = 69) reflected about four situations (independent from the current workplace) where they excelled. For the evaluation of the effects of the two conditions, participants completed measures on calling and global life satisfaction before (Pretest), directly after the four-week training period (Posttest 1), and 3 (Posttest 2) and 6 months (Posttest 3) later. Calling significantly increased in the intervention group but not in the control group from Pretest to Posttest 1, and remained constant until Posttest 3. Global life satisfaction significantly increased in the intervention group but not in the control group from Pretest to Posttest 2 and from Posttest 1 to Posttest 3. That indicated that the changes on global life satisfaction were less steep than the changes in calling and lagged, but significant long lasting changes were observed likewise. Results supported the assumption that the application of strengths at work impacts calling and life satisfaction. Limitations as well as implications for research and practice are discussed.

Vorheriger Artikel Developments in the Measurement of Subjective Well-Being and Poverty: An Economic Perspective

Nächster Artikel Dark Storm Clouds and Rays of Sunshine: Profiles of Negative and Positive Rumination About Daily Hassles and Uplifts

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Intervention group was instructed to use the individually four highest character strengths more often and in new ways at work. As most jobs require the interaction with others, this intervention is very likely to alter the nature of interactions at work; this is one of the job crafting practices presented by Wrzesniewski and Dutton (2001). However, job crafting practices may also include changes in the design of the job (e.g., alter type and number of job tasks; Wrzesniewski and Dutton 2001), and that was not part of the strengths intervention.

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Titel: Your Strengths are Calling: Preliminary Results of a Web-Based Strengths Intervention to Increase Calling
verfasst von: Claudia Harzer
Willibald Ruch
Publikationsdatum: 14.11.2015
Verlag: Springer Netherlands
Erschienen in: Journal of Happiness Studies / Ausgabe 6/2016
Print ISSN: 1389-4978
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-7780
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-015-9692-y

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