Strengths only or strengths and relative weaknesses? A preliminary study.
Does working on developing character strengths and relative character weaknesses cause lower life satisfaction than working on developing character strengths only? The present study provides a preliminary answer. After 76 college students completed the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (C. Peterson & M. E. P. Seligman, 2004), the authors randomly assigned them to work on 2 character strengths or on 1 character strength and 1 relative weakness. Combined, these groups showed significant gains on the Satisfaction With Life Scale (E. Diener, R. A. Emmons, R. J. Larsen, & S. Griffin, 1985), compared with a 32-student no-treatment group. However, there was no significant difference in gain scores between the 2-strengths group and the 1-character-strength-and-1-relative-character-weakness group. The authors discuss how focusing on relative character weaknesses (along with strengths) does not diminish-and may assist in increasing-life satisfaction.
Rust
Teri
T
Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID 83501, USA.
Diessner
Rhett
R
Reade
Lindsay
L
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002605:Character; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010553:Personality Development; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult