Character strengths are durable positive attributes that contribute to well-being in life and at ... more Character strengths are durable positive attributes that contribute to well-being in life and at work. They are also hypothesized to contribute to the growth and flourishing of individuals and organizations. However, their associations with work performance and counterproductive work behaviors have rarely been studied. The present study seeks to identify character strengths most highly associated with work performance and counterproductive work behaviors and explores the role of individuals’ sense of meaning at work and work orientation in mediating these associations. An international sample ( N = 686) completed the measures of strengths endorsement, work performance, counterproductive work behaviors, sense of meaning at work, and work orientation. Results pointed to perseverance as most highly associated with work performance and most negatively associated with counterproductive work behaviors. These associations were mediated by working individuals’ sense of meaning at work and perceptions of work as a career and as a calling. These findings highlight the contribution of perseverance to work performance and counterproductive behaviors, beyond the role of other character strengths, and highlight work meaningfulness and work orientation as psychological mechanisms underlying its effects.
Numerous studies examined the association between character strengths—positive traits that compri... more Numerous studies examined the association between character strengths—positive traits that comprise a good personality—and satisfaction with different aspects of life. However, few studies explored the connection between character strengths and marital satisfaction. The present study, conducted on a sample of 177 married couples, aims to examine this connection. Given the findings of previous studies, showing that both spouses’ personality traits contribute to relationship quality, we expect to find a connection between the spouses’ strengths and their marital quality. Using actor-partner interdependence model analyses, we examined the effects of three strengths factors (caring, self-control, and inquisitiveness) of both the individual and the partner on marital quality, evaluated by indices measuring marital satisfaction, intimacy, and burnout. Our findings revealed that the individual’s three strengths factors were related to all of his or her marital quality indices (actor effects). Moreover, women’s caring, inquisitiveness and self-control factors were associated with men’s marital quality, and men’s inquisitiveness and self-control factors were associated with women’s marital quality (partner effects). Our findings join the efforts of previous studies to understand the association between character strengths and the various elements of mental well-being, especially romantic relationships.
Contemporary researchers suggest that working is a relational act. Accordingly, literature reflec... more Contemporary researchers suggest that working is a relational act. Accordingly, literature reflects increasing interest in the relevance of attachment theory to vocational and organizational phenomena. In the current study, we focused on associations of avoidant attachment orientation (characterized by obsessive self-reliance), anxious attachment orientation (characterized by overdependence), and a central job characteristic (job autonomy) with work-related attitudes and emotions (work engagement, career commitment, work burnout, and emotional distress). Results from 150 Israeli employees revealed significant associations between avoidant attachment and all work-related outcomes, while anxiety was associated only with work burnout and emotional distress. Job autonomy was associated with all work-related outcomes, and although attachment anxiety and avoidance were not associated with job autonomy, the interactions between avoidance and job autonomy (but not the interactions between anxiety and job autonomy) significantly contributed to explained variance of all work outcomes. Simple slope analyses showed significant associations between avoidance and work-related outcomes in high job autonomy conditions and nonsignificant associations in low job autonomy conditions, surprisingly suggesting that high job autonomy specifically disadvantages highly avoidant employees. Theoretical and practical implications for organizations and for attachment theory at work are discussed.
Character strengths, representing positive attributes of individuals, have been linked with sever... more Character strengths, representing positive attributes of individuals, have been linked with several positive psychological qualities, such as life satisfaction and well-being. However, the effects of character strengths and their deployment on married couples, at the dyadic level, have not been studied to date. The present study focuses on married partners’ strengths endorsement and on their opportunities to deploy their strengths in the relationship, and explores the associations between these variables and both partners’ relationship satisfaction. The results reveal significant associations of strengths endorsement and deployment with relationship satisfaction, as expected. However, unexpectedly, men’s idealization of their wives’ character strengths was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. These findings hold theoretical and practical implications for couples and therapists, regarding dyadic effects of strengths endorsement and deployment, and their perception.
The benefits of paired learning, rather than individual learning, have been pointed by several st... more The benefits of paired learning, rather than individual learning, have been pointed by several studies. Although Chevruta , which has been essential in Jewish education for centuries, is arguably the original form of long-term paired learning, little empirical research has focused on exploring its components and consequences. In the current study, Chevruta learning is conceptualized as a combination of (a) structure : the proportion of time/space spent learning together, out of the total learning time on a given day, and (b) practices : the extent of using specific personal character strengths (CS), which resemble Chevruta practices in a positive manner. Their effects are examined on learning satisfaction. Methodologically, this is a dyadic (30 dyads) and longitudinal study with 20 daily measurement points for each participant. An average daily effect of structure on learning satisfaction was found—but no specific effect. This means that merely being together contributes to learning satisfaction over time, but not on the level of daily fluctuations. CS use, however, contributes both on average and on specific time points, and both in terms of the actor’s and the partner’s effects. One’s own CS use contributes to one’s own satisfaction both over time and daily. One’s partner’s Chevruta CS use fluctuation on specific days affects one’s own learning satisfaction that same evening, but this effect does not hold on average. These results indicate that actively engaging, as conceptualized by duration of learning together and strengths use, in this cooperative Jewish learning strategy, provides a substantial mutual benefit to its members.
Contemporary researchers suggest that working is a relational act. Accordingly, literature reflec... more Contemporary researchers suggest that working is a relational act. Accordingly, literature reflects increasing interest in the relevance of attachment theory to vocational and organizational phenomena. In the current study, we focused on associations of avoidant attachment orientation (characterized by obsessive self-reliance), anxious attachment orientation (characterized by over-dependence), and a central job characteristic (job autonomy) with work-related attitudes and emo-tions (work engagement, career commitment, work burnout, and emotional distress). Results from 150 Israeli employees revealed significant associations between avoidant attachment and all work-related outcomes, while anxiety was associated only with work burnout and emotional distress. Job autonomy was associated with all work-related outcomes, and although attachment anxiety and avoidance were not associated with job autonomy, the interactions between avoidance and job autonomy (but not the interactions between...
European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 2012
European Journal of Psychological Assessment 2012; Vol. 28(4):329–336 ... 147 The Development of ... more European Journal of Psychological Assessment 2012; Vol. 28(4):329–336 ... 147 The Development of the Job Stressor Appraisal Scale as Part of the Job Stress Battery Ilknur Özalp Türetgen, Özlem Sertel Berk, Gokce Basbug, and Pinar Unsal 154 Turkish Version of Children's Response Styles Questionnaire: Validity and Reliability in Turkish Early Adolescents Burcu Özgülük, Özgür Erdur Baker, and Asl9 Bugay 255 Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Scale to Assess the Therapeutic Relationship in Community Mental Health Care (D-STAR) Sabine Loos, ...
This longitudinal study examines the effects of Israeli counselors ’ and clients ’ ratings of the... more This longitudinal study examines the effects of Israeli counselors ’ and clients ’ ratings of their working alliance on clients ’ career exploration (CE), using a sample of 94 three-session career counseling processes. Results reveal that both clients ’ and counselors ’ working alliance ratings increased over time; yet, clients ’ ratings remained constantly above counselors ’ ratings. Results also suggest that clients ’ working alliance ratings are a better predictor of clients ’ CE than counselors ’ ratings. Impli-cations for career counseling are discussed. Keywords working alliance, career counseling, career exploration, longitudinal study, short-term counseling Modern approaches to career counseling emphasize the importance of establishing a collaborative relationship between counselor and client, and creating a supportive atmosphere for the client to explore oneself as well as the world of work in order to take better career decisions (Crites, 1981). Research has shown that the...
Character strengths are durable positive attributes that contribute to well-being in life and at ... more Character strengths are durable positive attributes that contribute to well-being in life and at work. They are also hypothesized to contribute to the growth and flourishing of individuals and organizations. However, their associations with work performance and counterproductive work behaviors have rarely been studied. The present study seeks to identify character strengths most highly associated with work performance and counterproductive work behaviors and explores the role of individuals’ sense of meaning at work and work orientation in mediating these associations. An international sample ( N = 686) completed the measures of strengths endorsement, work performance, counterproductive work behaviors, sense of meaning at work, and work orientation. Results pointed to perseverance as most highly associated with work performance and most negatively associated with counterproductive work behaviors. These associations were mediated by working individuals’ sense of meaning at work and perceptions of work as a career and as a calling. These findings highlight the contribution of perseverance to work performance and counterproductive behaviors, beyond the role of other character strengths, and highlight work meaningfulness and work orientation as psychological mechanisms underlying its effects.
Numerous studies examined the association between character strengths—positive traits that compri... more Numerous studies examined the association between character strengths—positive traits that comprise a good personality—and satisfaction with different aspects of life. However, few studies explored the connection between character strengths and marital satisfaction. The present study, conducted on a sample of 177 married couples, aims to examine this connection. Given the findings of previous studies, showing that both spouses’ personality traits contribute to relationship quality, we expect to find a connection between the spouses’ strengths and their marital quality. Using actor-partner interdependence model analyses, we examined the effects of three strengths factors (caring, self-control, and inquisitiveness) of both the individual and the partner on marital quality, evaluated by indices measuring marital satisfaction, intimacy, and burnout. Our findings revealed that the individual’s three strengths factors were related to all of his or her marital quality indices (actor effects). Moreover, women’s caring, inquisitiveness and self-control factors were associated with men’s marital quality, and men’s inquisitiveness and self-control factors were associated with women’s marital quality (partner effects). Our findings join the efforts of previous studies to understand the association between character strengths and the various elements of mental well-being, especially romantic relationships.
Contemporary researchers suggest that working is a relational act. Accordingly, literature reflec... more Contemporary researchers suggest that working is a relational act. Accordingly, literature reflects increasing interest in the relevance of attachment theory to vocational and organizational phenomena. In the current study, we focused on associations of avoidant attachment orientation (characterized by obsessive self-reliance), anxious attachment orientation (characterized by overdependence), and a central job characteristic (job autonomy) with work-related attitudes and emotions (work engagement, career commitment, work burnout, and emotional distress). Results from 150 Israeli employees revealed significant associations between avoidant attachment and all work-related outcomes, while anxiety was associated only with work burnout and emotional distress. Job autonomy was associated with all work-related outcomes, and although attachment anxiety and avoidance were not associated with job autonomy, the interactions between avoidance and job autonomy (but not the interactions between anxiety and job autonomy) significantly contributed to explained variance of all work outcomes. Simple slope analyses showed significant associations between avoidance and work-related outcomes in high job autonomy conditions and nonsignificant associations in low job autonomy conditions, surprisingly suggesting that high job autonomy specifically disadvantages highly avoidant employees. Theoretical and practical implications for organizations and for attachment theory at work are discussed.
Character strengths, representing positive attributes of individuals, have been linked with sever... more Character strengths, representing positive attributes of individuals, have been linked with several positive psychological qualities, such as life satisfaction and well-being. However, the effects of character strengths and their deployment on married couples, at the dyadic level, have not been studied to date. The present study focuses on married partners’ strengths endorsement and on their opportunities to deploy their strengths in the relationship, and explores the associations between these variables and both partners’ relationship satisfaction. The results reveal significant associations of strengths endorsement and deployment with relationship satisfaction, as expected. However, unexpectedly, men’s idealization of their wives’ character strengths was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. These findings hold theoretical and practical implications for couples and therapists, regarding dyadic effects of strengths endorsement and deployment, and their perception.
The benefits of paired learning, rather than individual learning, have been pointed by several st... more The benefits of paired learning, rather than individual learning, have been pointed by several studies. Although Chevruta , which has been essential in Jewish education for centuries, is arguably the original form of long-term paired learning, little empirical research has focused on exploring its components and consequences. In the current study, Chevruta learning is conceptualized as a combination of (a) structure : the proportion of time/space spent learning together, out of the total learning time on a given day, and (b) practices : the extent of using specific personal character strengths (CS), which resemble Chevruta practices in a positive manner. Their effects are examined on learning satisfaction. Methodologically, this is a dyadic (30 dyads) and longitudinal study with 20 daily measurement points for each participant. An average daily effect of structure on learning satisfaction was found—but no specific effect. This means that merely being together contributes to learning satisfaction over time, but not on the level of daily fluctuations. CS use, however, contributes both on average and on specific time points, and both in terms of the actor’s and the partner’s effects. One’s own CS use contributes to one’s own satisfaction both over time and daily. One’s partner’s Chevruta CS use fluctuation on specific days affects one’s own learning satisfaction that same evening, but this effect does not hold on average. These results indicate that actively engaging, as conceptualized by duration of learning together and strengths use, in this cooperative Jewish learning strategy, provides a substantial mutual benefit to its members.
Contemporary researchers suggest that working is a relational act. Accordingly, literature reflec... more Contemporary researchers suggest that working is a relational act. Accordingly, literature reflects increasing interest in the relevance of attachment theory to vocational and organizational phenomena. In the current study, we focused on associations of avoidant attachment orientation (characterized by obsessive self-reliance), anxious attachment orientation (characterized by over-dependence), and a central job characteristic (job autonomy) with work-related attitudes and emo-tions (work engagement, career commitment, work burnout, and emotional distress). Results from 150 Israeli employees revealed significant associations between avoidant attachment and all work-related outcomes, while anxiety was associated only with work burnout and emotional distress. Job autonomy was associated with all work-related outcomes, and although attachment anxiety and avoidance were not associated with job autonomy, the interactions between avoidance and job autonomy (but not the interactions between...
European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 2012
European Journal of Psychological Assessment 2012; Vol. 28(4):329–336 ... 147 The Development of ... more European Journal of Psychological Assessment 2012; Vol. 28(4):329–336 ... 147 The Development of the Job Stressor Appraisal Scale as Part of the Job Stress Battery Ilknur Özalp Türetgen, Özlem Sertel Berk, Gokce Basbug, and Pinar Unsal 154 Turkish Version of Children's Response Styles Questionnaire: Validity and Reliability in Turkish Early Adolescents Burcu Özgülük, Özgür Erdur Baker, and Asl9 Bugay 255 Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Scale to Assess the Therapeutic Relationship in Community Mental Health Care (D-STAR) Sabine Loos, ...
This longitudinal study examines the effects of Israeli counselors ’ and clients ’ ratings of the... more This longitudinal study examines the effects of Israeli counselors ’ and clients ’ ratings of their working alliance on clients ’ career exploration (CE), using a sample of 94 three-session career counseling processes. Results reveal that both clients ’ and counselors ’ working alliance ratings increased over time; yet, clients ’ ratings remained constantly above counselors ’ ratings. Results also suggest that clients ’ working alliance ratings are a better predictor of clients ’ CE than counselors ’ ratings. Impli-cations for career counseling are discussed. Keywords working alliance, career counseling, career exploration, longitudinal study, short-term counseling Modern approaches to career counseling emphasize the importance of establishing a collaborative relationship between counselor and client, and creating a supportive atmosphere for the client to explore oneself as well as the world of work in order to take better career decisions (Crites, 1981). Research has shown that the...
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