chapter three classifications and measures of strengths and positive outcomes positive psychology:...

Chapter Three

Classifications and Measures of Strengths and Positive Outcomes

Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human

Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Classifications of Illness and Strengths

Karl Menninger Challenged labeling of pathology

Diagnosis focused on:

- life process vs. states or conditions

Power of hope, faith, & love



Classifications of Illness and Strengths “Strength” defined as: capacity for feeling,

thinking, and behaving in a way that allows optimal functioning in the pursuit of valued outcomes (Linley & Harrington, 2006).

Long way to go in figuring out how to measure strengths



Classifications of Illness2 Classifications Accepted World-Wide:

1. International Classifications of Diseases (ICD) by the World Health

Organization

2. Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) by the

American Psychiatric Association



Classifications of Strengths No Classifications Accepted World-Wide, yet!

3 Models In Use by Many:

1. Gallup Themes of Talent

2. Values in Action Classification of Strengths

3. Search Institute’s 40 Developmental AssetsPositive Psychology: The Scientific and

Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Gallup’s Clifton StrengthsFinder

“What would happen if we studied what was right with people” - Donald Clifton, CEO Gallup

Talent can be operationalized, studied, and accentuated in work and academic settings

Strengths are extensions of talent: Strength = talent + related knowledge + related skills



StrengthsFinder 2.0 measures 34 Talent Themes (pp. 40-42)

on-line measure for adolescents and adults

released in 2007

psychometrically sound (valid and reliable)

available in 17 languages



Clifton Youth StrengthsExplorer measures 10 Talent Themes (pg. 46)

on-line measure for children & youth (10 - 14 years old)

released in 2006

comes with a Youth Workbook and Parent & Educator Guides



Values in Action Classification of Strengths

Developed by Peterson & Seligman (2004)

Antithesis of the DSM

Provides a common language for strengths

24 Strengths that meet 10 Criteria (pp 47-48)

Based upon 6 Virtues



Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-

IS) measures 24 character strengths

on-line and paper-and-pencil measure for adults

psychometrically sound (valid and reliable)

sensitive to change over time



Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA-

Youth) measures 24 character strengths

on-line measure for adolescents

adequate psychometric properties



The Search Institute’sDevelopmental Assets

“What protects children from today’s problems?”

40 Developmental Assets that lead to thriving: 20 External (pp. 51-52)

20 Internal (pp. 52-53)



Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and

Behaviors 156-item survey

for use with children and youth

describes: 40 developmental assets 8 thriving indicators 5 developmental deficits 24 risk-taking behaviors

Psychometrics are unknownPositive Psychology: The Scientific

and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Comparisons of Measures of Strengths All identify a person’s primary strengths All were created within a Western framework



Dimensions of Well-Being Happiness

Life Satisfaction

Happiness + Life Satisfaction =

Emotional Well-Being



Dimensions of Well-Being

Subjective Well-Being (aka Emotional Well-Being/Happiness) = individuals’ appraisals of their own lives capture the essence of well-being (Ed Deiner)

Objective Approaches = Psychological Well-Being (Carol Ryff)

Social Well-Being (Corey Keyes)



Dimensions of Well-Being

Subjective/Emotional Well-Being +

Psychological Well-Being +

Social Well-Being =

Complete Portrayal of Mental Health



Complete Mental Health

Flourishing (Complete Mental Health)

High levels of: emotional, psychological, and social well-being

(Keyes; pp. 60-62)

Languishing(Incomplete Mental Health)

Low levels of: emotional, psychological, and social well-being



Lent’s (2004) Integrative Well-Being Model

One model = explains capacity for positive functioning during normative times

Another model = provides direction for restoring well-being during difficult times



chapter three classifications and measures of strengths and positive outcomes positive psychology:...

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