The Research Desk
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison found digital well-being programs boost character strengths, reducing psychological distress over time.
From self-regulation to character: Digital well-being intervention effects on character strengths and subsequent distress.
- Resilience
- Growth
Beloborodova, P., Chernicoff, L., Velarde Arrisueño, L., Puentes, J., Dahl, C., Jacobucci, R., Davidson, R., Marquez-Padilla, F., Goldberg, S., Hirshberg, M.
In plain language
This study investigates the impact of a digital well-being intervention on character strengths among healthcare professionals in Mexico. Over 13 weeks, participants engaged in activities designed to enhance their character strengths, which are key components of human flourishing. The research found that these strengths not only increased but also helped reduce psychological distress over time, although they did not directly improve overall well-being.
Key findings
- The digital intervention increased character strengths significantly compared to a control group.
- Increases in character strengths were linked to reductions in psychological distress at a 37-week follow-up.
- Character strengths did not mediate improvements in overall well-being.
- Character strengths served as a distinct mechanism of change, separate from social connections and emotional insight.
- The intervention's effect on distress was partly mediated by changes in character strengths.
Why it matters
This research highlights the potential of character strengths as a buffer against psychological distress, offering a pathway to resilience in high-stress environments.
Try this today
Readers can consider engaging in digital well-being programs that focus on enhancing character strengths to help manage stress and reduce distress in demanding situations.