Use of our strengths invokes within us a sense of authenticity, vitality, invigoration, intrinsic motivation and yearning. However in order to have positive experiences and move closer towards self-actualisation we need to use them successfully. So how do we know when we are being effective?
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The Strengths Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES), presented in the form of a questionnaire, was designed to assess someone’s perceived efficacy at building and applying strengths in daily life and accounts for different environments including work and educational contexts.
Background
Created by Tsai et al. (2014) the SSES offers the opportunity to gain insight into individual self-efficacy with regards to strengths utilisation.
Research findings around the SESS show that its scores are positively correlated with life satisfaction and self-esteem, and high scores indicate high levels of strengths self-efficacy.
Strengths Based Assessment and Intervention
The SSES can be used by practitioners, and clinicians in conjunction with strength based interventions to measure progress in perceived strengths use.
Strength based interventions such as Strength Based Therapy recognise the overarching importance of the subjective views of individual with regards to their well being and underlying pathology over expert diagnostics and opinions.
The SSES’s self report structure supports this key aspect by providing an opportunity for the development of knowledge and use of strengths with self concordance which are factors highly correlated to vitality and well being (Govindji & Linley, 2007).
In order to accurately complete the assessment, it is necessary for the individual to be aware of their 5 signature strengths. Take the VIA character strengths survey to find out yours.
The SSES thus the opportunity to not only solidify knowledge of strengths but it also clarify the level of each individual’s self-efficacy in strengths use and potential for moving closer towards self-actualisation.
Suggested Readings
Tsai, C. L., Chaichanasakul, A., Zhao, R., Flores, L. Y., & Lopez, S. (2014). Development and Validation of the Strengths Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES). Journal of Career Assessment, 22, 221-232.
Wong J. Strengths-centered therapy: a social constructionist, virtue-based psychotherapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice and Training. 2006;43:133–146.
Govindji, R., Linley, P. (2007). Strengths use, self-concordance and well-being: Implications for Strengths Coaching and Coaching Psychologists. International Coaching Psychology Review. 2(2); 143-144.
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