A strengths-based intervention boosts psychological capital and work engagement levels of Finnish workers

workplaces need to support their employees’ abilities to adapt to changes that
challenge their well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine a 16-hour
(2 hours per week, i.e., total of 8 weeks), strengths-based intervention effect on
the positive psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement among
workers in northern Finland (N = 56). The study utilised the PCQ-24 and
UWES-9 scales to measure participants’ PsyCap and work engagement at
baseline (time 1) and post-intervention (time 2). The study shows that the
intervention positively impacted the participants’ PsyCap and work
engagement (as a primary outcome). In PsyCap, the component of self-efficacy
increased the most (as a secondary outcome). The combination of a long-term
intervention and the focus on different types of strength is a promising
approach to enhance PsyCap and work engagement. Strong PsyCap and work
engagement can support an individual’s self-determination and personal
resources, promoting burnout prevention.
Keywords: psychological capital; work engagement; the wide conception of
strengths; intervention study.