Date of Award
Spring 2020
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology; College of Arts & Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Steven Robbins
Second Advisor
Dr. Katherine Moore
Abstract
TAYLOR DUNN
The Effect of Emphasizing Strengths on Readiness to Change
Research Mentor: Dr. Steven Robbins
Researchers have called for the examination of what kind of discussion in therapy is the most beneficial. Although past literature calls for an emphasis on restructuring a client’s negative thoughts and behaviors, there has been an increasing amount of research on the benefits of using positive psychology interventions. “Strength-based approaches” in particular have shown to lead to an attainment of various clinical outcomes. This study attempts to analyze how an emphasis on character strengths influences a person’s readiness to change in comparison to a more traditional emphasis on character weaknesses. Though two of the primary analyses were insignificant, participants in the strength group were able to demonstrate significantly more steps of a stress reduction technique than participants in the weakness group. This finding indicates that an emphasis on strengths might make one more likely to practice a therapeutic technique. An explanation of insignificant results and future implications for therapists are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Dunn, Taylor, "The Effect of Emphasizing Strengths on Readiness to Change" (2020). Capstone Showcase. 1.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2020/psychology/1
The Effect of Emphasizing Strengths on Readiness to Change
TAYLOR DUNN
The Effect of Emphasizing Strengths on Readiness to Change
Research Mentor: Dr. Steven Robbins
Researchers have called for the examination of what kind of discussion in therapy is the most beneficial. Although past literature calls for an emphasis on restructuring a client’s negative thoughts and behaviors, there has been an increasing amount of research on the benefits of using positive psychology interventions. “Strength-based approaches” in particular have shown to lead to an attainment of various clinical outcomes. This study attempts to analyze how an emphasis on character strengths influences a person’s readiness to change in comparison to a more traditional emphasis on character weaknesses. Though two of the primary analyses were insignificant, participants in the strength group were able to demonstrate significantly more steps of a stress reduction technique than participants in the weakness group. This finding indicates that an emphasis on strengths might make one more likely to practice a therapeutic technique. An explanation of insignificant results and future implications for therapists are discussed.