Examining Character Strengths of Developmental Services Workers in Canada
A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11215013 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Olena H Darewych (Department of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, Martin Luther University College - Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), Olena Darewych (0000-0002-9175-9754, Wilfrid Laurier University, corresponding author), Morgan E Braganza (0000-0001-8160-2852, Redeemer University), Nathan J Newton (0000-0003-4242-1359, Wilfrid Laurier University), Nicky J Newton, Kathryn Hubner Kozman (McMaster University), Heidi Argyle (Art Therapy, Anderson Therapy Services, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 442-454 |
| Publication date | 2021-05-04 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Social Service Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0148-8376 • E-ISSN: 1540-7314 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/01488376.2020.1825586 |
| OpenAlex | W3093493887 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 27 |
This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study examined the profile of character strengths in developmental services workers (DSWs) employed in Ontario, Canada and explored how they use their strengths when supporting people with developmental disabilities. In the quantitative phase of the study, nineteen (N = 19) DSWs completed the Global Assessment of Character Strengths questionnaire (GAS-72). In the qualitative phase, a sub-set of nine (n = 9) participants completed a single face-to-face interview where they identified their top five self-perceived character strengths, and described how they use them in their work when supporting their clients. The GAS-72 results indicated that participants rated the top eight character strengths as: humor, teamwork, fairness, honesty, kindness, self-regulation, love of learning, and perspective/wisdom. Interview findings indicated that participants used the character strengths of humor, love of learning, and perseverance concurrently to provide compassionate and meaningful care, to support their client’s overall well-being, and to motivate themselves to flourish in doing their work. Future research needs to examine how character strengths in DSWs and other social services professionals can promote employee well-being, job satisfaction, and compassionate care
Character (mathematics · Honesty · Kindness · Medical education · Perspective (graphical · Qualitative research · Set (abstract data type · Sociology · Strengths and weaknesses · Teamwork · Applied Psychology · Family and Disability Support Research · Grit, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation · Medicine · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Social Psychology · Social Work
The staff burn-out syndrome in alternative institutions.
Character strengths in fifty-four nations and the fifty US states
Strengths of Character and Well-Being
Business-unit-level relationship between employee satisfaction, employee engagement, and business outcomes
Integrating psychological and cultural perspectives on virtue
Infusing Qualitative Traditions in Counseling Research Designs
Positive psychology
Client-centered therapy; its current practice, implications, and theory
The feel of experience
Zest and work
Character strengths in organizations
Using thematic analysis in psychology
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |