The Strengths-focused Identity Practice is rooted in positive psychology and the dependable strengths process. In these videos, Jerald Forster presents a rationale for engaging in the dependable strengths process. This rationale also applies to the Strengths-focused Identity Practice.
In Part 1, Jerald Forster, PhD, offers the first part of a rationale for participating in the Dependable Strengths Articulation Process (DSAP). This rationale will provide a theoretical and a research-based case for articulating strengths using the “subjective” approach involving story-telling about previous experiences which were marked by pride, enjoyment and a feelings of accomplishment. Participants tell these stories in small group (usually 4 people) and then help each other articulate the names of the strengths used in the good experiences.
In Part 2, Jerald Forster, PhD, talks about 5 important variables studied in Positive Psychology. He then identifies some of the benefits of having a positive perspective. He discusses influences or causes of a positive perspective and goes on to talk about the subjective and objective approaches to identifying or articulating strengths. He briefly talks about the relationship between owning your strengths and your self-identity.
In Part 3, Jerald Forster, PhD, goes through a list of sub-categories for negative and positive perspectives. He then finishes up by urging the members of the workshop to promote the Dependable Strengths message in their home communities, in order to further the cultural evolution of the human species. By promoting Positive Psychology practices in their communities, Jerald suggests that they will improve the lives of their grandchildren and their subsequent descendants.