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Examining the Mediating Roles of Strengths Knowledge and Strengths Use in a 1-Year Single-Session Character Strength-Based Cognitive Intervention

Author

Listed:
  • Wenjie Duan

    (Wuhan University
    Wuhan University)

  • He Bu

    (Wuhan University
    City University of Hong Kong)

  • Jinli Zhao

    (Wuhan University)

  • Xiaolong Guo

    (Wuhan University)

Abstract

Character strength-based interventions are an effective positive psychology approach in increasing happiness and reducing depression. However, little is known about whether the character strength-based interventions remain effective over an extended time period of 1 year, and why these activities (e.g., Identifying signature strengths and Using signature strengths in a new way) work. To address these issues, a 1-year randomized controlled intervention was conducted to examine the serial mediating role of strengths knowledge and strengths use. A hundred first-year students were randomly assigned into the intervention and the waiting-list control groups. The intervention group participated in four activities within a 90-min course and was encouraged to continue self-practice of the strengths-related activities after the intervention period. Immediate, short-term (i.e., 1 week), and long-term (i.e., 1 year) effectiveness were examined. Participants in the intervention group showed significant increase in thriving and decrease in negative emotional symptoms in the short term, but no effect was found for the control group. The long-term effects of thriving and negative emotional symptoms were insignificant for two experimental groups. Strengths use partially mediated the effectiveness of the intervention, but strengths knowledge did not significantly predict the outcomes. In conclusion, the character strength-based intervention can be an effective approach to improve the mental health of the first-year students. More attention should be paid to strengths use when practitioners design a character strength-based intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenjie Duan & He Bu & Jinli Zhao & Xiaolong Guo, 2019. "Examining the Mediating Roles of Strengths Knowledge and Strengths Use in a 1-Year Single-Session Character Strength-Based Cognitive Intervention," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(6), pages 1673-1688, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-018-0014-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-0014-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Denise Quinlan & Nicola Swain & Dianne Vella-Brodrick, 2012. "Character Strengths Interventions: Building on What We Know for Improved Outcomes," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 13(6), pages 1145-1163, December.
    2. 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.
    3. Wenjie Duan & Samuel Ho & Xiaoqing Tang & Tingting Li & Yonghong Zhang, 2014. "Character Strength-Based Intervention to Promote Satisfaction with Life in the Chinese University Context," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(6), pages 1347-1361, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Meyers, Maria Christina & van Woerkom, Marianne & Bauwens, Robin, 2023. "Stronger together: A multilevel study of collective strengths use and team performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    2. Wenjie Duan & Yujia Fei & Xiaoqing Tang, 2020. "Latent Profiles and Grouping Effects of Resilience on Mental Health among Poor Children and Adolescents," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 13(2), pages 635-655, April.

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