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The Impact of Signature Character Strengths Interventions: A Meta-analysis

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  • Nicola S. Schutte

    (University of New England)

  • John M. Malouff

    (University of New England)

Abstract

This meta-analysis investigated the impact of interventions focused on using signature character strengths. The meta-analysis consolidated results of studies examining the effect of signature character strength interventions compared to control conditions. Twenty-nine effect sizes reported in fourteen articles allowed examination of several types of outcomes. Across nine studies investigating the impact of these interventions on increases in positive affect or happiness, signature character strength interventions had a significant impact, with a weighted Hedges’ g of 0.32. Across seven studies, interventions had a significant impact on decreases in depression, with a weighted Hedges’ g of 0.21. Across seven study samples, signature strengths had a significant impact on increasing life satisfaction, with a weighted Hedges’ g of 0.42. Only a small number of studies investigated other outcomes, resulting in low meta-analytic power for effect sizes for these outcomes. Of note is a significant effect size of Hedges’ g of 0.55 for increase in use of signature character strengths, based on just two studies, which suggests that signature character strength interventions do impact strengths as intended. The promising effects shown in existing studies indicate that signature strength interventions have the potential to contribute to beneficial outcomes in various areas of life and that more research on the impact of signature character strength interventions is warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola S. Schutte & John M. Malouff, 2019. "The Impact of Signature Character Strengths Interventions: A Meta-analysis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 1179-1196, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-018-9990-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-9990-2
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    11. 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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    Cited by:

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    8. Tommaso Feraco & Nicole Casali & Chiara Meneghetti & Samuel Greiff & Giorgia Cona, 2023. "Is Good Character All that Counts? A Comparison Between the Predictive Role of Specific Strengths and a General Factor of “Good Character” Using a Bifactor Model," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(7), pages 2353-2376, October.
    9. Marc-Antoine Gradito Dubord & Jacques Forest & Lina Marija Balčiūnaitė & Evamaria Rauen & Tomas Jungert, 2022. "The power of strength-oriented feedback enlightened by self-determination theory: a positive technology-based intervention," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 2827-2848, August.
    10. Datu, Jesus Alfonso D. & Jose Mateo, Nino, 2020. "Character strengths, academic self-efficacy, and well-being outcomes in the Philippines: A longitudinal study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    11. Tommaso Feraco & Nicole Casali & Elena Carbone & Chiara Meneghetti & Erika Borella & Barbara Carretti & Veronica Muffato, 2024. "Soft skills and their relationship with life satisfaction and cognitive reserve in adulthood and older age," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-10, December.
    12. Joep Agteren & Jonathan Bartholomaeus & Emma Steains & Laura Lo & Adam Gerace, 2021. "Using a Technology-Based Meaning and Purpose Intervention to Improve Well-being: A Randomised Controlled Study," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(8), pages 3571-3591, December.
    13. Diego García-Álvarez & María José Soler & Rubia Cobo-Rendón & Juan Hernández-Lalinde, 2022. "Positive Psychology Applied to Education in Practicing Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Personal Resources, Well-Being, and Teacher Training," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-12, September.
    14. John Zelenski & Sara Warber & Jake M. Robinson & Alan C. Logan & Susan L. Prescott, 2023. "Nature Connection: Providing a Pathway from Personal to Planetary Health," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-23, March.
    15. Young-Jin Lim, 2023. "Psychometric Properties of the Brief Strengths Scale-12 in Korean Population," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.
    16. Tamar Blanchard & Todd Kerbeykian & Robert E. McGrath, 2020. "Why Are Signature Strengths and Well-Being Related? Tests of Multiple Hypotheses," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(6), pages 2095-2114, August.
    17. Gabrielle N. Pfund, 2023. "Applying an Allportian Trait Perspective to Sense of Purpose," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 1625-1642, April.
    18. Weziak-Bialowolska, Dorota & Bialowolski, Piotr & Niemiec, Ryan M., 2021. "Being good, doing good: The role of honesty and integrity for health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 291(C).
    19. Susan L. Prescott & Jeffrey M. Greeson & Mona S. El-Sherbini & The Planetary Health Community Convened by the Nova Institute for Health, 2022. "No Health without Mental Health: Taking Action to Heal a World in Distress—With People, Places, and Planet ‘in Mind’," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-15, August.
    20. Jannis Kraiss & Kleinjan Redelinghuys & Laura. A. Weiss, 2022. "The effects of psychological interventions on well-being measured with the Mental Health Continuum: a meta-analysis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 3655-3689, October.

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