Using personal and psychological strengths leads to increases in well-being over time: A longitudinal study and the development of the strengths use questionnaire

Citation

Wood AM, Linley PA, Maltby J, Kashdan TB & Hurling R (2011) Using personal and psychological strengths leads to increases in well-being over time: A longitudinal study and the development of the strengths use questionnaire. Personality and Individual Differences, 50 (1), pp. 15-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.08.004

Abstract
Positive psychology focuses on the benefits of both possessing and using personal strengths however existing research has focused exclusively on having rather than using strengths This study validates the Strengths Use Scale and presents the first test of whether strength use leads to improved well being A community sample (N = 207) completed measures at baseline and three and six month follow-up The scale had a clear one factor structure high internal consistency (alpha = 94-97) and impressive three and six-month stability (r = 84) Strengths use led to less stress and greater self esteem vitality and positive affect over both longitudinal assessment periods Strengths use is an important longitudinal predictor of well being and the new scale is a reliable and valid measurement tool.

Keywords
Positive psychology; Strengths; Longitudinal; Psychometrics; Well being; Affect; Quality of Life Research; Psychology; Positive Psychology

Journal
Personality and Individual Differences: Volume 50, Issue 1