Psychotherapists' views of using signature strengths in the workplace : an exploratory study
Date
2007
Authors
Atkinson, Katherine E.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2007
Abstract
There is limited existing knowledge of the benefits of using personal strengths to enhance
various life domains, in particular, the work domain. Preliminary studies in education
(Basom & Frase, 2004), psychotherapeutic interventions (Peseschkian & Tritt, 1998;
Bandura, 1997), and vocational counselling (Bandura, 2001; Paulsen & Betz, 2004),
report that incorporating one's personal strengths in the workplace can have numerous
benefits both behaviourally and psychologically for individuals. A burgeoning area in
psychology is positive psychology, it rests upon the premise that the best insight is gained
by learning from exemplary individuals who excel in a given area. Among professions
that lack attention in positive psychology research is psychologists, on a daily basis
psychologists provide psychological services to numerous individuals and without proper
self management may not reach their professional potential in their careers. Following
this approach, the current exploratory study examined how experienced psychotherapists
in private practice perceived how their signature strengths enhanced their work. Using
grounded theory analysis, results confirmed that psychotherapists commonly reported 3
major benefits: meaningful work, enhanced energy levels, and enabling conditions within
the work environment. These three metacategories formed the budding theory that
psychotherapists, who chose to incorporate at least three of their five signature strengths,
reported enhanced working environments and higher levels of competence and
satisfaction with their work. Implications for future studies and professional
development, using these preliminary results as a springboard are discussed.
Description
vii, 96 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Psychotherapists -- Mental health , Self-actualization (Psychology) , Positive psychology , Mental health personnel -- Mental health