| Traditional psychological treatments primarily aim to ameliorate negatives, this intervention attempted to enhance strengths postulated by the Values In Action Classification (Peterson & Seligman, in press). Utilizing a pre- and post-intervention control group design, it was delivered to the experimental group (n = 35) through an experiential course in Positive Psychology, while the control group (n = 30) took a course in Abnormal Psychology. The participants in the both groups were traditional age undergraduate and graduate students from a diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds studying at a metropolitan campus. The intervention presented the VIA strengths with an emphasis on exploring and enhancing strengths through cognitive-behavioral strategies included readings, watching an assigned film on each strength, writing a reaction paper weekly and group discussions and exercises. After adjusting for pre-intervention VIA scores, results indicated that the experimental group demonstrated significant, positive changes on 17 of 24 strengths. Zest, Playfulness & Humor, Social Intelligence and Judgment were found to be more malleable than Self-regulation, Humility & Modesty, Perspective, and Citizenship & Teamwork. Consistent with the VIA classification, non-signature strengths did not change even when attempted deliberately, whereas signature strengths increased without deliberate efforts. Subjective appraisal of most signature strengths (self-identified) did not associate with objective appraisals (signature strengths independently identified by three significant others and by corresponding VIA strength scores) suggesting that signature strengths might not have much cross-situational generality. Along with locating strengths within participants, the study also attempted to locate participants in their broader socio-cultural life conditions such as---Social Support, Health, Spirituality, Volunteerism and Life Satisfaction, all significantly associated with most VIA strengths. Results also indicated that enhancement of VIA strengths like Intimate Attachment, Kindness, Leadership, and Forgiveness & Mercy is mediated by optimal physical health. Future studies should explore developmental patterns, stability of gains and functional outcomes associated with VIA strengths. |
