Character Strengths and Disorders Research

An article in the Journal of Positive Psychology (January 2006, 1(1), 17 – 26) by Peterson, Park, and Seligman has possible implications for RTs. The title of the article is “Greater Strengths of Character and Recovery from Illness.”

The authors concluded the following:
“In sum, the bad news is that illness and disorder take a toll on both strengths of character and life satisfaction. The good news is that these effects only last until the crisis runs its course and recovery occurs. Recovered individuals may then show
elevated strengths of character that contribute to renewed life satisfaction. Bravery, kindness, and humor are associated with a return to life satisfaction
in the case of physical illness, as are appreciation of beauty and love of learning in the case of psychological disorder. We suggest that deliberate interventions
to increase these particular strengths may help people flourish following a major health crisis.” (p. 25)