MindCraft Challenge #33
Psychological distress can be amplified when bridging symptoms expand the network of distress symptoms that are activated by intrusive thoughts. One way to intervene and disrupt those networks is with simple well-being interventions. One of these is thinking about new ways to utilize a character strength you already have.
Challenge: The original study that used the signature strengths intervention involved people completing an inventory with 200 items to identify the strongest of 24 strengths. We will use a much shorter version available at: https://cognopod.com/sketch/STRONG
That inventory will identify your top strength out of three broad areas of strength. For this challenge, spend a week trying to use that strength in a new way every day. Pay attention to your mental health and see if focusing on using your strength can block some of the possible symptoms of psychological distress.
Read More
Using signature strengths in new ways decreases depressive symptoms in the long term.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.5.410
The brief strengths scale
http://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000164
Learning that people can change prevents the symptoms of depression
https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702614548317