Background
Identifying and capitalizing on character strengths promotes a wide range of positive psychological outcomes (Schutte & Malouff, 2019). Despite the potential for character strengths to stimulate wellbeing, there remain questions regarding the best method of assessing strength-based concepts. Researchers call for the development and evaluation of new strength-based assessment procedures (Owens, Magyar-Moe, & Lopez, 2015). Thus, we sought to evaluate whether a therapeutic assessment procedure could increase strength knowledge, interest, and skill.
Hypotheses/Research Questions
We expected individuals who participated in our brief assessment protocol would report increases in strength-based knowledge, interest, and skill compared to control group participants.
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
Thirty-two United States college students participated in the study. Participants reported an average age of 21.23 years with the majority identifying as white (57.1%) and women (84%) with limited financial resources (60.9%).
Design
Participants completed three phases of data collection. Participants were first screened for wellbeing scores, which were used to evenly distribute participants into experimental conditions. Selected participants were randomly assigned participate in a control or therapeutic assessment condition. Participants completed pre and post measures of strength interest, knowledge, and skill. Finally, participants were invited to report strength-related outcomes 24 hours post-administration.
Results
A series of 2 x 3 mixed ANOVAs were analyzed. Results revealed a significant condition*time interaction for strength knowledge and perceived skill. Participants in the therapeutic assessment condition reported higher strength knowledge and skills compared to control participants after the administration of the conditions (Time 2) and 24 hours later (Time 3).
Scientific Contribution
Our qualitative therapeutic assessment procedures increased strength-concordant outcomes; participants who completed our procedure reported higher levels of character strength knowledge and skill compared to control participants. Our procedures offers a cost effective and flexible method of evaluating character strength, consistent with multicultural and counseling psychology recommendations.