When you consider the word “strength,” what comes to mind? Hold on to that for a moment. Show
For me, “strength” makes me think of words like “sturdy,” “solid,” and, conversely, “weak.” I also think of my personal strengths. For example, a person can believe their strengths are patience, optimism, and persistence. In this article, we will be reviewing strength-based approaches in positive psychology. The strength-based approach focuses on the positive attributes of a person or a group, rather than the negative. There are multiple ways the strength-based approach can be applied, including in leadership, counseling, community and social work, and pediatrics. Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Strengths Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients realize your unique potential and create a life that feels energized and authentic. This Article Contains:
What Is the Strength-Based Approach?With its foundation in social work, the strength-based approach is a “work practice theory” that focuses on an individual’s self-determination and strength (McCashen, 2005). This type of approach builds on clients’ strengths, seeing them as resourceful and resilient when they are in adverse conditions (McCashen, 2005). It is also client led and centered on outcomes, getting people to affect change in themselves. Change happens depending on how each person handles their own:
The strength-based approach is centered around the idea that the client is the actor or agent of change. The approach is highly dependent on how the individual processes their thoughts and emotions. It allows for open communication, encouraging individuals to identify value and assemble their strengths and capacities. The strength-based approach allows a person to see themselves at their best – the value they bring by just being themselves. They are encouraged to capitalize on their strengths rather than focus on negative characteristics. The strength-based approach examines not only the individual, but also their environment; for example, how systems are set up or power imbalances between a system or service and the people it is supposed to serve. In addition, the strength-based approach identifies constraints that might be holding back an individual’s growth. These constraints might be social, personal, and/or cultural issues (McCashen, 2016). Rapp et al. (2008) suggested six standards for identifying a strengths-based approach (below). You can use this list when considering if the strength-based approach might be a good fit for your practice.
Principles of the Strength-Based ApproachThere are nine guiding principles that serve as the foundation of the strength-based approach (Hammond, 2010).
4 Examples of a Strength-Based ApproachLet’s review some examples of a strength-based approach.
Using the Approach in CounselingPositive psychotherapy may include a strength-based approach, where the practitioner focuses on the strengths and resourcefulness of their client, rather than their weaknesses, deficits, or failures (Basic Counseling Skills, n.d.). This helps the client build a mindset focused on positive capacity building and helps them understand that they are resilient, leading to more reasonable expectations of themselves and others (Basic Counseling Skills, n.d.). Strength-based therapy is a form of talk therapy where the client is the storyteller. The story may include trauma, pain, and stressors from the past or present. The practitioner encourages the client to have the mindset of a survivor rather than a victim. Doing so can give the client a better understanding of and control over their skills and strengths (Basic Counseling Skills, n.d.). These skills and strengths enable them to survive and flourish no matter how tough life gets. What Are the Benefits of This Approach?Hammond (2010) offers the following list of benefits of the strength-based approach.
Are There Any Disadvantages to the Model?Some consider the main focus of the strength-based approach to be its primary disadvantage. Dr. Jason Jones (2017) explains this very well by asserting that while it’s great to focus on strengths, we should not utterly neglect weaknesses. If weaknesses are poorly managed, they may not be monitored, leaving the person less effective. Jones is not the only one to carefully and constructively point out some flaws in the method. Other researchers (e.g., McMillen et al., 2004; Staudt et al., 2001) have claimed that the strength-based approach is not really offering anything novel, nor is it based on evidence of efficacy. Can It Improve Mental Health?The strengths-based approach can improve mental health, but only if it is fully embraced. The most important factor in determining whether the approach is effective is the client. Crucially, this approach can still be effective for clients with mental health issues, as it has a strong focus on recovery and positive psychology (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). A Look at Strength-Based InterventionsThere are quite a few strength-based interventions designed for different types of clients or groups. For example, some approaches are better for individuals, associations, organizations, or other communities (Foot & Hopkins, 2010). The practice of using the strengths-based approach is ever-evolving and has many configurations (Foot & Hopkins, 2010). For instance, practitioners may use a single method or a combination, depending on the individual client’s needs (Pattoni, 2012). Some examples of the strength-based approach in practice are below. Solution-focused therapy (SFT)As its name suggests, SFT focuses on solutions rather than problems. SFT and solution-focused brief therapy have been used in a variety of settings, including family service, mental health, public social services, child welfare, prison, residential treatment centers, schools, and hospitals (Miller et al., 1996). You can find a list of SFT techniques and worksheets here. Strengths-based case managementLike all applications of the strength-based approach, strength-based case management focuses on the individual’s strengths. Importantly, it involves the following three principles:
Strengths-based case management has been utilized in a diversity of fields and populations, including substance abuse, mental health, school counseling, elderly care, children, and young families (Rapp et al., 2008). NarrativePractitioners can use narrative to get the client to tell a story, teasing apart the client’s strengths and resilience skills. The basis of this method is that we each live our lives based on our experiences or our story. However, we often forget that we are the main actor and that we have many strengths. Our problems are separate from us; when a person can learn to separate themselves from their problems, they learn how to face it and build resilience (Epston et al., 1992). Family support servicesFamily support services aim to support the family when there are dangerous issues that can affect the child’s welfare. Family support services work to empower and connect the family as a team or unit so that they have the same end goal: being together (Green et al., 2004). Interesting StudiesA strong and suitable critique for the strength-based approach is that there is a lack of strong supporting evidence (Lietz, 2009). However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any. More and more evidence is showing the real effects of the strength-based approach. Strength-based approach and improving social connectionsFoot and Hopkins (2010) found that there is power in support. Supportive communities that develop strength-based approaches in their services and functions can empower their residents. Foot and Hopkins (2010) also found that when you cheer people on or encourage them to be proud of their achievements and contributions, their confidence increases. Further, people who are more confident in their ability add more to the community. Gilchrist (2009) also notes the importance of communities networking with each other. This helps individuals and families build their community even wider. The wider community allows for an increase in resilience, which then improves wellbeing and quality of life. The strength-based approach is also used in the family justice research realm. Shapiro et al. (n.d.) found that this approach can reduce drug use, rates of arrest, and conviction, and increase the level of social functioning for an individual. Utilizing the strength-based approach, case managers are able to make lasting effects on individuals. The case managers aren’t really the main actors; it’s actually the individual’s community or network who make the biggest impact (Shapiro et al., n.d.). Networks can have a larger impact on an individual because they “can provide unparalleled insight into the strengths, talents, and challenges of a loved one, as well as advice about how best to connect with that individual” (Shapiro et al., n.d., p. 20). Strength-based approach and enhancing wellbeingA pilot study conducted by Ralph et al. (1996) looked at the effect of the strength-based approach on the hope of people with severe mental illness. The participants were asked to select and define factors they thought were needed for recovery. The most important elements identified included the ability to have hope and developing trust in one’s own thoughts and judgments (Ralph et al., 1996). Smock et al. (2008) and Park et al. (2004) found that using the strength-based approach helps individuals develop and maintain a strong sense of wellbeing. People who can find hope and inspiration using their strengths have a stronger sense of wellbeing (Smock et al., 2008). The Clifton StrengthsFinderMany of us have taken or administered personality tests to help gain insight into who we are. One such widely regarded test is the Clifton StrengthsFinder, which focuses specifically on strengths. American psychotherapist Donald Clifton developed the Clifton StrengthsFinder after many years in social work, counseling psychology, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy, and narrative therapy (Buckingham & Clifton, 2001). The StrengthsFinder assessment helps you or your client to:
Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS)Peterson et al.’s (2005) self-report questionnaire, the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) “measures 24 widely valued character strengths.” In progress toward creating the VIA-IS, Peterson and Seligman (2004) created a handbook to focus on the positive aspects of an individual, which they informally dubbed the “Manual of the Sanities.” The handbook focuses on human strengths rather than weaknesses or pathologies (Ruch et al., 2010). Peterson and Seligman (2004) classified six universal virtues and 24 character strengths (along with 10 criteria for a positive trait to be included as a character strength). Dahlsgaard et al. (2005) found those core virtues of courage, justice, humanity, temperance, wisdom, and transcendence to be rooted in their research of philosophy and spirituality writings from China, South Asia, and the West. Peterson and Seligman (2004) defined character strengths as the processes and mechanisms that lead to the virtues. For instance, wisdom (a virtue) can be attained through creativity and curiosity (character strengths). Table 1. Classification of 6 core virtues and 24 strengths of character (Ruch et al., 2010) Virtue I. Wisdom and knowledge: cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of knowledge (1) Creativity: thinking of novel and productive ways to do things Virtue II. Courage: emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external or internal (6) Bravery: not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain Virtue III. Humanity: interpersonal strengths that involve tending and befriending others. (10) Love: valuing close relations with others Virtue IV. Justice: civic strengths that underlie a healthy community life (13)
Teamwork: working well as a member of a group or team Virtue V. Temperance: strengths that protect against excess (16) Forgiveness: forgiving those
who have done wrong Virtue VI. Transcendence: strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning (20) Appreciation of beauty and excellence:
noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life The VIA-IS is a helpful tool when trying to understand fully what a person has to offer in a very systematic way. The VIA-IS does not add up all the strengths assigned to a virtue, and significantly, it is very rare for an individual to display all the strengths a virtue comprises (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). 9 Useful ActivitiesWhen dealing with a client, encourage them to lead the conversation and decision-making process. Use these activities to help along the way (Kate Pascale and Associates, 2019, p. 5):
A very useful strength-based activity is to write in a gratitude journal. Here’s how you or your client can start a gratitude journal: Part one – day end
You don’t have to limit the list to four things – I aim for 10. Part two – day beginning
Another great exercise is called the “peak experience” exercise. It is simple, very motivating, and used by coaches (Driver, 2011).
16 Strength-Based Questions
Graybeal, 2001, p. 235 Here is a list of questions that aim to assess a client’s strengths (Smith, 2017).
Strength-Based Approach ApplicationsHow the strength-based approach should be applied in different modalities.Using the approach in disability and elderly careHere are some additional questions for those who are disabled or receiving elderly care (Kate Pascale and Associates, 2019, pp. 6–7). “Exploring the current situation
Skills, personal qualities / attributes, knowledge
Exploring interests, hobbies
Support network, community connections
Resources (e.g. physical, financial)
Understand challenges in context
Exploring values and motivation
Exploring opportunities / strategies
These questions allow the social worker or related healthcare professional to understand the experience the client is having at the moment. In addition, they allow for conversation about their environment, needs, and inherent resources and strengths. A strength-based focus in social workThe key to helping people is to have them recover and then to feel empowered and committed to the change or process that needs to happen (Pulla, 2017). Utilizing the strength-based approach, social workers have found that three pertinent questions have been the most useful in getting the conversation started: “What has worked for you before? What does not work for you? And what might work in the present situation for you?” (Pulla, 2017, p. 97). Once the conversation has started, four core elements can be expanded on, including (Pulla, 2017, p. 99):
Cowger, 1994 Here is a list of questions that social workers can use to direct attention to identify strengths (Saleebey, 2006; Pulla, 2017, p. 108).
The strength-based approach finds a nice home in social work because “the principles of caring and caretaking, nurturing and ensuring that members of our society and our organisations in turn become resilient and hopeful is clearly within the scope of strengths approaches” (Pulla, 2017, p. 100). Using a strength-based approach in early childhoodEarly childhood is such a beautiful time. Children are learning how to do things and what they like. When using the strength-based approach in early childhood, consider the same aspects you would for an adult, pay attention to what the child likes, and offer a variety of ways for the child to learn (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). A great way for children to develop their strengths is to live expressively. Children can express themselves in all sorts of ways, and this can lend itself well to understanding what someone truly enjoys and is good at (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). How to use the approach in childcare and preschoolThe strength-based approach fits really nicely with childcare and preschool. As every child is different, children have their unique strengths. Using the strength-based approach, early childhood educators are able to fit the curriculum to the child (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). The strength-based approach falls in line with the ecological model of child development, where children, not the curriculum, are at the center of education. As children are learning and developing, their capabilities, competencies, and strengths and talents are maturing (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). Because children are constantly developing in multiple learning environments (home and school), their home language and culture should be acknowledged. The child’s home language(s) and culture(s) are meaningful contributors to their development and learning experience (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). For early childhood professionals who work with children that speak more than one language, recognizing the child’s linguistic abilities is important. Early childhood professionals should support children in preserving their primary language while learning another (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). In addition, each of us can learn in different ways, and there are certain ways of learning that really speak to us. For children, it is really best to show them that they can learn in multiple ways (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). Gardner’s (2011) theory of multiple intelligences theorizes that children create meaning by engaging in a variety of methods: linguistic, special, interpersonal, logical-mathematical, etc. Each method offers variety and multiple ways to make learning meaningful and engaging. It’s really interesting that the strength-based approach molds itself to what is meaningful to the child as well as the practitioner (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). Practitioners who utilize the strength-based approach should practice self-reflection to understand their own values and how their professional practice can affect each child’s unique learning style and strengths (McCashen, 2005). 5 Tips for using it with youthThe following tips, adapted from Hammond & Zimmerman (2012), can be helpful when using a strength-based approach with youth.
A Take-Home MessageI hope this piece gave you a thorough and complete overview of the strength-based approach and some insightful information. The great thing about the strength-based approach is that it is so relatable when being used, especially when the activities can help pull out these strengths. If there’s one thing you should take away from this piece, it’s that your strengths have been with you from the very beginning. Sometimes it takes thinking back to when you were a kid, what you were good at, and what you enjoyed to remember your strengths. Feel free to refer back to this piece if you’re ever feeling like you aren’t good enough or don’t have any skills or traits that make you useful, because you absolutely do. If you find any of this information helpful, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading. I wish you the best and hope that you can find your strengths and use them daily — it makes you feel good and it’s energizing. We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Strengths Exercises for free.
What do the authors indicate is needed to have a more competent cultural understanding of strengths?What do the authors indicate is needed to have a more competent cultural understanding of strengths? -New measures of strengths that are nonverbal.
What was the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths Via is designed to do?The VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS), formerly known as the "Values in Action Inventory," is a proprietary psychological assessment measure designed to identify an individual's profile of character strengths.
Which of these people did the authors indicate as someone who reiterated that hope faith and love are powerful?Which of these people did the authors indicate as someone who reiterated that hope, faith, and love are powerful? Karl Menninger.
What is something that a person who has low self awareness can do to build resilience quizlet?What is something that a person who has low self-awareness can do to build resilience? Answers: a. Ask others to give advice on what the person should do.
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