Work orientation and flourishing life in twelve Ibero-American countries / Orientación laboral y vida floreciente en doce países iberoamericanos

Abstract Introduction/Objetive: Work orientation includes the individual's beliefs regarding the role of work in his/her life as a whole and what they are searching for in their careers. There are three types of orientation to work: job, career, and vocation. Work orientation has the distinction of examining how work connects with people's lives and is, therefore, an appropriate construct for evaluating the impact of work on human flourishing. The aims of this study are first to explore work orientation in twelve Ibero-American countries; and second, to investigate whether work orientation affects flourishing in the lives of adults in twelve Ibero-American countries. Method: A total of 3000 adults participated in this study. The University of Pennsylvania Work-Life Questionnaire was used to evaluate the type of relationship that employees reported having with their work, according to the distinctions between job, career, and calling. A 12-item version of the Multidimensional Flourishing Scale was used to measure three aspects of flourishing: social, psychological, and emotional well-being. Results: Most participants reported a high level of calling in their work orientation. In most countries, those with a calling orientation reported higher levels of social and psychological well-being than those with a job orientation. The results indicate a clear relationship between a calling orientation and social and psychological well-being. Conclusion: This research is the first to compare the relationship between work-orientation and flourishing in Ibero-America. The findings help us understand that work-orientation is not a secondary aspect of a person's life but has fundamental implications in the lives of workers.

Resumen Introducción/Objetivo: La orientación laboral incluye las creencias del individuo sobre el papel del trabajo en su vida como un todo y lo que está buscando en su carrera. La orientación laboral examina cómo el trabajo se conecta con la vida de las personas y es un constructo apropiado para evaluar el efecto del trabajo en el florecimiento humano. Se propone explorar la orientación laboral en 12 países iberoamericanos; e investigar si la orientación laboral afecta el florecimiento humano. Método: Tres mil adultos participaron en este estudio. Se utilizó el Work-Life Questionnaire para evaluar el tipo de relación que los empleados informan tener con su trabajo, de acuerdo con las distinciones entre trabajo, carrera y vocación. Se utilizó la Escala de Florecimiento Multidimensional para medir tres aspectos del florecimiento: bienestar social, psicológico y emocional. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes informaron un alto nivel de orientación laboral como vocación. En la mayoría de los países, aquellos que trabajan por vocación informaron niveles más altos de bienestar social y psicológico que aquellos que trabajan solo por una motivación económica. Conclusiones: Esta investigación es la primera en comparar la relación entre la orientación al trabajo y el florecimiento humano en Iberoamérica. Los hallazgos nos ayudan a comprender que la orientación al trabajo no es un aspecto secundario de la vida de una persona, sino que tiene implicaciones fundamentales en los trabajadores.

Adaptación y evidencia de validez de la escala de Florecimiento para la población argentina / Adaptation and evidence of validity of the flourishing scale for the Argentine population

El presente trabajo se ocupa de evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de florecimiento (EF) en Argentina, para ello se realizó un proceso de traducción/adaptación para el contexto local. Participaron del estudio 363 adultos con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 68 años y de ambos sexos (Mujeres = 73%, Hombres= 27%). El CFA del modelo (NNFI= .9; CFI= .95; RMSEA= .053)y la consistencia interna(α=.89; ω=.91)arrojaron resultados aceptables para la EF. Por otro lado, la validación externa se realizó estudiando la correlación con los instrumentos MHC-SF y SWLS, obteniendo valores significativos. A su vez, la validación cruzada se realizó dividiendo la muestra en mujeres y hombres, hallándose resultados que confirman la validez del instrumento. En conclusión, se considera a partir de los resultados que la escala EF es un instrumento fiable para el estudio del bienestar en población argentina AU

The present work deals with evaluating the psychometric properties of the Flourishing Scale (EF) in Argentina, for which a translation/adaptation process was carried out for the local context. The study included 363 adults aged between 18 and 68 years and of both sexes (Women = 73%, Men = 27%). The CFA of the model (NNFI= .9; CFI= .95; RMSEA= .053) and internal consistency (α =.89; ω=.91) showed acceptable results for the EF. On the other hand, the external validation was carried out studying the connection with the MHC-SF and SWLS instruments, obtaining significant values. In turn, the cross-validation was carried out by dividing the sample into women and men, finding results that confirm the validity of the instrument. In conclusion, it is considered from the results that the EF scale is a reliable instrument for the study of well-being in the Argentine population AU

The moderation effect of identity exploration and basic psychological needs satisfaction on flourishing of Chinese rural children

Abstract Most studies equate children's mental health to a state of flourishing, which is a positive feeling and functions in their lives. Identity exploration and the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs are universal and crucial indicators of children's flourishing. First, according to identity crisis theory, children in the pre-adolescence period begin to explore their own identities, a process which significantly affects their development and flourishing. Meanwhile, self-determination theory points out that the basic psychological needs, namely the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, are essential for children's development and flourishing in the worldwide. Accordingly, this study examined how identity exploration affects the flourishing of rural children in China, one kind of collectivism cultural contexts, with the interaction effect of identity exploration and basic psychological needs satisfaction. To understand the interaction effect of identity exploration and basic psychological needs satisfaction on rural children's flourishing, we form a theoretical framework combining identity crisis theory and self-determination theory. Both these two theories emphasize the importance of self in facilitating mental health and the development of functioning. Specifically, identity crisis theory focuses on intrapsychic process, while self-determination theory stresses the influence of the surrounding environment on the individual, which provides a solid foundation for integrating these two theories to explore rural children's flourishing in China. Accordingly, this study collected 520 left-behind children and 475 other rural children in Liaoning Province in Mainland of China, and used regression analysis to measure the associations among variables. This study found that identity exploration and basic psychological needs satisfaction positively affect rural children's flourishing respectively, while their interaction effects negatively affect on their flourishing.

Design and evaluation of a positive intervention to cultivate mental health: preliminary findings

Abstract The past two decades have witnessed a proliferation of positive psychological interventions for clinical and nonclinical populations, and recent research, including meta-analyses, is providing evidence of its effectiveness. Most interventions have focused on increasing life satisfaction, positive affect, and psychological well-being. Manualized, multi-component interventions based on a comprehensive theory are scarce. Keyes' concept of mental health and flourishing (subjective, psychological, and social well-being) is an overarching theoretical framework to guide the design of a multi-component psychological intervention to cultivate well-being and personal development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to design a theory-driven positive intervention and to pilot test the intervention. The manual presents an 8-week group program that includes homework activities. A sample of 56 young adults completed the intervention. Participants were assessed at base line, after termination, and at a 6-month follow-up session. Standardized instruments were used to assess the dimensions of mental health proposed by Keyes. Pre- and post-test measures of subjective, psychological, and social well-being showed significant differences, as did the total mental health scores. At 6-month follow-up, differences remained in subjective and psychological well-being and in positive mental health, with smaller effect sizes. Limitations of these preliminary findings as well as future lines of research and improvements in this manualized intervention are proposed in the light of current research on positive interventions.

Inventário abrangente de prosperidade: evidências de propriedades psicométricas no Brasil / Comprehensive inventory of thriving: evidence of psychometric properties in Brazil / Inventario integral de la prosperidad: evidencias de propiedades psicométricas en Brasil

O Inventário Abrangente de Prosperidade (IAP) constitui um instrumento que acessa o bem-estar, concebendo o construto numa perspectiva hedônica. Este estudo avaliou as propriedades psicométricas do IAP em 501 adultos brasileiros. A metodologia de análise consistiu em combinação entre análise fatorial confirmatória e análise de redes, incluindo também análise da confiabilidade e validade convergente. Os resultados confirmam a estrutura de 18 fatores de primeira ordem e a de sete fatores de segunda ordem original. O artigo também apresenta uma terceira estrutura com quatro fatores de segunda ordem - χ²/gl = 1,75, CFI = 0,92, TLI = 0,91, RMSEA = 0,042. Foram detectadas diferenças para o ajuste, considerando o sexo dos participantes, em que o modelo obtido tem melhor ajuste para homens. O IAP apresenta validade convergente ao se correlacionar positivamente com felicidade e florescimento no trabalho. Portanto, a versão brasileira do IAP apresenta evidências iniciais de validade para uso em adultos no Brasil. AU

The Comprehensive Inventory of Thriving (CIT) is an instrument that accesses well-being, conceiving the construct from a hedonic perspective. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the IAP in 501 Brazilian adults. The framework of analysis consisted of a combination of confirmatory factor analysis and network analysis, including reliability analysis and convergent validity. The results confirm the structure of 18 first order factors and seven second order factors from the original research. The present study also presents a third structure with four second order factors - χ²/gl=1.75, CFI=.92, TLI=.91, RMSEA=.042. Differences were detected for the fit considering the gender of the participants, where the model obtained presented a better fit for men. The CIT has convergent validity, correlating positively with happiness and flourishing at work. Therefore, the Brazilian version of the CIT presents initial evidence of validity for use with adults in Brazil. AU

El Inventario Integral de la Prosperidad (IIP) constituye un instrumento que accede al bienestar, concibiendo el constructo en una perspectiva hedónica. Este estudio evaluó las propiedades psicométricas del IIP en 501 adultos brasileños. La metodología de análisis consistió en combinación entre el análisis factorial confirmatorio y el análisis de redes, incluyendo también el análisis de la confiabilidad y validez convergente. Los resultados confirman la estructura de dieciocho factores de primer orden y la de siete factores de segundo orden original. El artículo también presenta una tercera estructura con cuatro factores de segundo orden - χ²/gl=1.75, CFI=.92, TLI=.91, RMSEA=.042. Se detectaron diferencias para el ajuste considerando el sexo de los participantes, donde el modelo obtenido tiene mejor ajuste para hombres. El IIP presenta validez convergente al correlacionarse positivamente con felicidad y desarrollo profesional. Por lo tanto, la versión brasileña del IIP presenta evidencias iniciales de validez para uso en adultos en Brasil. AU

Florescimento no trabalho: revisão integrativa da literatura / Flourishing at work: an integrative literature review / Florecimiento en el trabajo: revisión integrativa de la literatura

O termo florescimento é um conceito advindo da psicologia positiva e se mostra importante no contexto do trabalho por se relacionar a uma condição de prosperidade, felicidade, engajamento, automotivação, satisfação e bem-estar. Este artigo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura de estudos relacionados ao florescimento no trabalho, dos últimos dez anos. Foram realizadas buscas em quatro bases de dados (Scielo, BVS-Psi, Periódicos Capes e EBSCO Host) e, após os critérios de seleção, restaram oito artigos incluídos nas análises. Foram analisados o delineamento, participantes, instrumentos, país de origem, objetivos, assim como os resultados e o conceito de florescimento no trabalho. Ainda há poucos estudos sobre o tema, e buscou-se compreender o conceito de florescimento no trabalho e suas implicações para este contexto.

The term flourishing is a concept that comes from positive psychology and is important in the context of work because it relates to a condition of prosperity, happiness, commitment, self-motivation, satisfaction, and well-being. The objective of this article was to carry out an integrative review of the literature from the last 10 years on studies related to flourishing at work. Four databases were searched (Scielo, BVS-Psi, Capes Periodicals, and EBSCO Host) and, following the selection criteria, eight articles were included in the analysis. We analyzed the design, participants, instruments, country of origin, objectives, as well as the results and the concept of flourishing at work. There are still few studies on this subject, and we sought to understand the concept of flourishing at work and its implications for this context.

El término florecimiento es un concepto que procede de la psicología positiva y se muestra importante en el contexto del trabajo por relacionarse con una condición de prosperidad, felicidad, compromiso, automotriz, satisfacción y bienestar. Este artículo tuvo como objetivo realizar una revisión integrativa de la literatura de estudios relacionados con el florecimiento en el trabajo, de los últimos 10 años. Se realizaron búsquedas en cuatro bases de datos (Scielo, BVS-Psi, Periódicos Capes y EBSCO Host) y, tras los criterios de selección, quedaron ocho artículos incluidos en los análisis. Se analizaron el delineamiento, participantes, instrumentos, país de origen, objetivos, así como los resultados y el concepto de florecimiento en el trabajo. Todavía hay pocos estudios sobre el tema, y se buscó comprender el concepto de florecimiento en el trabajo y sus implicaciones para este contexto.

Florescimento no Trabalho: Impacto do Perdão Disposicional e do Suporte Social Emocional / Flourishing at Work: Impact of Dispositional Forgiveness and Emotional Social Support / Florecimiento en el Trabajo: Impacto del Perdón Disposicional y del Soporte Social Emocional

O florescimento no trabalho tem despertado interesse crescente dos estudiosos, no contexto do modelo de Demandas e Recursos do Trabalho. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as relações de um recurso pessoal (perdão disposicional) e de um recurso do trabalho (suporte social emocional) com o florescimento no trabalho de enfermeiros, bem como avaliar o papel mediador do suporte social emocional nessas relações. A amostra foi composta por 515 trabalhadores de enfermagem. Os resultados da modelagem de equações estruturais apontaram que o perdão disposicional e o suporte social emocional relacionaram-se positivamente ao florescimento no trabalho. Ademais, o suporte social emocional mediou parcialmente a relação entre o perdão disposicional e o florescimento no trabalho. A escolaridade também exerceu impacto sobre o florescimento no trabalho. O modelo de mediação parcial apresentou índices de ajuste adequados. Os resultados demonstraram a relevância do suporte social emocional para o florescimento no trabalho, assim como sua relação com o perdão disposicional. O estudo avançou, portanto, na explicação de alguns dos fatores responsáveis pelo florescimento no trabalho de enfermeiros, categoria profissional de grande importância para a sociedade em geral....(AU)

The flourishing at work has attracted growing interest from scholars, in the context of the Job Demands and Resources model. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of a personal resource (dispositional forgiveness) and a job resource (emotional social support) with the flourishing at work of nurses, as well as to evaluate the mediating role of emotional social support on those relationships. The sample consisted of 515 nurses. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that dispositional forgiveness and emotional social support were positively related to flourishing at work. In addition, emotional social support mediated partially the relationship between dispositional forgiveness and flourishing at work. Schooling had also an impact on flourishing at work. The partial mediation model presented adequate fit indexes. The results demonstrated the relevance of emotional social support for the flourishing state at work, as well as its relation to dispositional forgiveness. The study has advanced on the explanation of some factors responsible for flourishing at work in nurses, an occupational category of great importance for the society....(AU)

El florecimiento en el trabajo ha despertado interés creciente de los estudiosos en el contexto del modelo de Demandas y Recursos del Trabajo. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las relaciones de un recurso personal (perdón disposicional) y de un recurso de trabajo (soporte social emocional) con el florecimiento en el trabajo de enfermeros, así como evaluar el papel mediador del soporte social emocional en esas relaciones. La muestra fue compuesta por 515 trabajadores de enfermería. Los resultados del modelaje de ecuaciones estructurales señalan que el perdón disposicional y el soporte social emocional se relacionan positivamente al florecimiento en el trabajo. Además, el soporte social emocional medió parcialmente la relación entre el perdón disposicional y el florecimiento en el trabajo. La escolaridad también ha ejercido impacto sobre el florecimiento en el trabajo. El modelo de mediación parcial presentó índices de ajuste adecuados. Los resultados demostraron la relevancia del soporte social emocional para el florecimiento en el trabajo, así como su relación con el perdón disposicional. El estudio avanzó, por lo tanto, en la explicación de algunos de los factores responsables por el florecimiento en el trabajo de enfermeros, categoría de gran importancia hacia la sociedad en general....(AU)

Association between flourishing mental health and occupational stress among workers of Tsukuba Science City, Japan: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND@#Flourishing, defined as the coexistence of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, is the most favorable end of the mental health spectrum. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the association between flourishing mental health and favorable work-related outcomes. However, epidemiology of flourishing mental health is scarce in Japan. Moreover, the relationship between flourishing mental health and occupational stress has not been elaborated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate (1) the prevalence of flourishing mental health and (2) the association between flourishing mental health and occupational stress among Japanese workers.@*METHODS@#The present survey was conducted in from February to March 2017 via an anonymous, self-administered, and web-based questionnaire among workers in Tsukuba Science City, Japan. Mental Health Continuum Short Form was used to assess flourishing mental health. We performed binomial logistic regression analyses to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of occupational stress for flourishing mental health, controlling for sociodemographic factors.@*RESULTS@#A total of 7012 respondents (4402 men, 2610 women) were analyzed. The overall prevalence of flourishing mental health among the respondents was 12.4%. Full-time (permanent) workers were less likely to be flourishing. Reward from work (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI = 2.04-2.68), support from colleagues and superiors (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.44-1.94), and workload (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05-1.36) were positively associated with flourishing mental health, whereas mental workload (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.57-0.75) was inversely associated with flourishing mental health.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The findings of the present study shed light on the association between flourishing mental health and occupational stress.

Validación de las escalas de bienestar, de florecimiento y afectividad / Validation of the Scales of Well-being of Flourishing and Feelings / Validação das escalas de bem-estar de florescimento e afetividade

Objetivo. El presente estudio analiza las propiedades psicométricas de las escalas de florecimiento y afecto positivo y negativo, propuestas por Diener et al. (2010), para la evaluación del bienestar. Método. Se realizaron dos estudios. El primero empleó 656 estudiantes universitarios para analizar la contabilidad y la estructura factorial de las escalas. En el segundo, con 201 estudiantes universitarios, se calculó la validez convergente y divergente de las escalas con otras medidas de bienestar y se efectuó un análisis factorial confirmatorio. Resultados. Ambos estudios mostraron adecuadas propiedades psicométricas en las escalas. Los coeficientes de confiabilidad fueron de 0.89 para la escala de florecimiento y 0.91 y 0.87 para las escalas de afecto positivo y negativo, respectivamente. La varianza explicada en el análisis factorial exploratorio para cada una de las escalas mencionadas fue, en su orden, de 52.82%, 69.49% y 61.56%. Las correlaciones de las escalas de florecimiento y afecto positivo fueron positivas y significativas con la Escala de Optimismo (LOT-R), la Escala de Afecto Positivo PANAS, la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) y la Escala de Bienestar (Bieps-A), y negativas y significativas con la Escala de Afecto Negativo. Conclusión. El análisis factorial confirmatorio mostró índices de ajuste adecuados tanto para la escala de florecimiento como para la de afectividad. Estos resultados permiten confirmar la validez y utilidad de las escalas para la evaluación del bienestar en población hispana.

Objective. The present study analyzes, the psychometric properties of the Flourishing and Positive and Negative Feelings scales proposed by Diener et al. (2010) to evaluate wellbeing. Two Studies were carried out with this purpose. Method. The first study, of 656 university, students analyzed the reliability and factorial structure of the scales. The second, of 201 university students, calculated the convergent and divergent validity of the scales with other measures of wellbeing, and carried out a confirmatory factorial analysis. Results. The results of both studies showed adequate psychometric properties in the three scales. The reliability was 0.89 for flourishing and 0.91 and 0.87 for positive and negative experience coefficients respectively. The variance in the exploratory factorial analysis was 52.82% 69.49% and 61.56% for the three scales. The correlation between the Flourishing and Positive Affections scales was positive and significant with Optimism (LOT-R), Positive Affection of the PAPAS, Satisfaction With Life (SWLS) and Wellbeing (Bieps-A), and negative and significant with Negative Affection. Conclusion. The confirmatory factorial analyses showed adequate indexes for Flourishing and for Affectivity. These results confirm the validity and usefulness of these scales in the wellbeing assessment for a Hispanic population.

Escopo. O presente estudo analisa as propriedades psicométricas das escalas de florescimento e afeto positivo e negativo, propostas por Diener et. al. (2010), para a avaliação do bem-estar. Metodologia. Foram feitos dois estudos. O primeiro empregou 656 estudantes universitários para analisar a confiabilidade e a estrutura fatorial das escalas. No segundo, com 201 estudantes universitários, foi calculada a validez convergente e divergente das escalas com outras medidas de bem-estar e foi efetuada uma análise fatorial confirmatória. Resultados. Os dois estudos mostraram adequadas propriedades psicométricas nas escalas. Os coeficientes de confiabilidade foram de 0.89 para a escala de florescimento, e 0.91 e 0.87 para as escalas de afeto positivo e negativo, respetivamente. A variação explicada na análise fatorial exploratória para cada uma das escalas mencionadas foi, nesta ordem, de 52.82%, 69.49% e 61.56%. As escalas de florescimento e afeto positivo correlacionaram com a escala de otimismo (LOT-R), as escalas de afeto positivo PANAS, Satisfação com a Vida (SWLS) e Bem-estar (Bieps-A). As duas primeiras escalas correlacionaram negativamente com a escala de Afeto negativo. Conclusão. A análise fatorial confirmatória mostrou índices de ajuste adequados tanto para a escala de florescimento como para a de afetividade. Estes resultados permitem confirmar a validez e utilidade das escalas para a avaliação do bem-estar em população hispana.

Flourishing: El estado completo de bienestar para la promoción de la Salud / Flourishing: The complete state of wellness for the promotion of Health

Dentro de los programas de intervención psicosocial, la promoción de la salud se ha destacado por su efectividad para desarrollar en los individuos mejores estilos de conducta que han aumentado su calidad de vida; actualmente con la nueva tendencia en el estudio de la psicología, se ha descubierto que si una persona desarrolla una personalidad positiva, explotando sus fortalezas y sobre todo procurando alcanzar el bienestar óptimo o flourishing se puede controlar con mayor seguridad la aparición de problemas mentales que afectan directamente al desarrollo social. Para la construcción de este ensayo se desarrolló una minuciosa búsqueda de argumentos con base empírica que han publicado en revistas científicas los principales autores de la psicología positiva para sostener la idea de que la promoción de la salud desde el modelo del estado completo de la salud mental positiva provee herramientas eficaces y efectivas para la promoción de la salud.

Within the programs of psycho-social intervention the promotion of health has been highlighted by its effectiveness indeveloping in individuals better styles of behavior thathave increased their quality of life; Currently with the new trend in the study of psychology, it has been found that if a person develops a positive personality, exploiting their strengths and above all seeking to achieve optimum or flourishing wellbeing can be controlled with greater certainty the appearance of mental problems that affect Directly to social development. For the construction of this essay was developed a meticulous search of arguments with empirical basis that have published in scientific journals the main authors of positive psychology to sustain the idea that the health promotion from the model of the complete state of mental health Positive provides effective and effective tools for health promotion.

The relationships between character strengths and life fulfillment in the view of lay-people in Argentina

Se examinó la importancia de las fortalezas del carácter para el desarrollo positivo desde el punto de vista de las personas legas. Una muestra de 687 adultos evaluó la importancia de las 24 fortalezas del carácter de la clasificación Values in Action para cinco áreas: bienestar personal, metas personales, relaciones personales y laborales y contribuir a un país mejor. Se diseñó un instrumento basado en la metodología de la encuesta que estaba compuesto por 24 ítems. Cada uno evaluaba una fortaleza en cada una de las cinco áreas comentadas. La confiabilidad global del mismo fue igual a .98. Los datos se analizaron mediante la inspección de las frecuencias (por ej.: grado de respaldo a cada una de las fortalezas en relación con el desarrollo positivo), considerando aquellas fortalezas que se encontraban por encima del percentil 90. En general, los resultados han mostrado que la fortaleza del carácter honestidad es un importante recurso personal para las cinco áreas consideradas en este estudio. Específicamente, amor, honestidad y vitalidad son las fortalezas del carácter más importantes para el bienestar personal; perseverancia y autorregulación, para lograr metas vitales, honestidad y gratitud para el desarrollo de relaciones positivas; compañerismo e imparcialidad para las relaciones laborales positivas, e imparcialidad y honestidad para contribuir a un país mejor. Se analizaron las diferencias por género y edad y se encontró que las mujeres consideraban a las fortalezas mucho más importantes que los varones para la mayoría de las áreas vitales consideradas. Este estudio señala que las concepciones implícitas de las personas legas deberían ser tomadas en cuenta a la hora de diseñar estrategias de intervención positivas basadas en las fortalezas del carácter.

The idea underlying this work is that character strengths are an essential component for achieving life fulfillment. In order to determine the extent to which strengths of character are essential to living a good life, this study was conducted from lay-people’s point of view. This work took as theoretical framework Seligman’s recent theory, known under the acronym of PERMA, which proposes that human strengths are vehicles for achieving positive emotions, engagement (flow), enriching relationships, meaning in life, and accomplishment of personal goals. This study considered life fulfillment beyond the hedonic conception of subjective well-being emphasizing the importance of both individual and social meaning; the relationship with others; and the achievement of personal goals, among others. A sample of 687 adults evaluated the importance of 24 character strengths from the Values in Action classification for the five areas that contribute to a fulfilling life: personal well-being, personal goals, personal relationships, work relationships, and contributing to a better country. This study used a similar methodology to Biswas-Diener (2006), who studied the attitudes towards the 24 VIA character strengths with members of dissimilar cultural groups. An instrument was designed comprising 24 items in a survey-format. Each item assessed one character strength for each of the five areas under study. Cronbach’s alpha reliability test for the overall scale was .98. Data was analyzed by calculating frequencies (e.g., the degree of endorsement to the character strengths in relation to life fulfillment) and conducting chi-square tests (e.g., gender and age differences). The character strengths over the 90th percentile were considered. The results showed that the character strength honesty is an important personal resource for the five areas studied. Specifically, love, honesty and zest were the major character strengths for personal well-being; persistence and self-regulation for achieving life goals; honesty and gratitude for developing positive personal relationships; citizenship and fairness for positive work relationships; and, fairness and honesty for contributing to a better country. Differences by gender were found. For the majority of the areas of life explored, women placed more importance on character strengths than men. The main finding of this study is that people consider the strengths of character from the VIA classification as important elements for life fulfillment. Most participants in this study showed a high degree of endorsement (60 to 70%) to each of the character strengths of the VIA classification for all the areas, i.e., achieving personal well-being, accomplishing life goals, enriching personal relationships, working well with others, and contributing to a better country. Based on these results, it can be concluded that from the point of view of lay-people, character strengths are not only fundamental to feel good but also to function well both in relation to themselves and to the world. Overall, intervention strategies, from the Positive Psychology perspective, tend to be generic and unspecific, without considering individuals’ particular points of view. Knowing people’s implicit ideas in relation to the strengths that contribute most to life fulfillment would allow generating more accurate and culturally adjusted interventions to the particular group in question. This adjustment not only operates as a key motivational aspect but also a reinforcement of the effect of the intervention. Future studies should experimentally compare the effectiveness of generic interventions on character strengths versus interventions focused on those strengths that the group under study deems important, especially in Latino populations in which the efficacy of these interventions has not been tested yet, and little has been studied in relation to this topic.

Florescimento no Trabalho: Interfaces com Comportamentos de Carreira / Flourishing at work: Interfaces with career behaviors / Flourishing en el trabajo: interfaces con comportamientos de carrera profesional

O florescimento no trabalho se apresenta como um objetivo de muitos profissionais que investem em suas carreiras nos dias atuais. Porém, pouco ainda se sabe sobre quais fatores relativos à carreira ajudariam o profissional a florescer. Neste sentido, este estudo investigou de que forma comportamentos de carreira se relacionam com florescimento no trabalho. Foram testadas quatro hipóteses, que propuseram relações entre exploração de carreira, planejamento de carreira, comprometimento com a carreira e o florescimento no trabalho. Participaram deste estudo 149 profissionais, a maioria com até 45 anos de idade e, em média, sete anos de experiência profissional. Os resultados indicaram que o planejamento e exploração da carreira predizem maior florescimento, sendo esta relação mediada pelo comprometimento com a carreira. As evidências encontradas podem ser úteis para profissionais autônomos, orientadores profissionais, pesquisadores de carreira e organizações que buscam o florescimento no trabalho através do desenvolvimento de carreira.

Flourishing at work is a goal pursued by many professionals who put effort in their career nowadays. However, little is known about which career factors would help someone to flourish at work. Thus, this study investigated how career behaviors are related to flourishing at work. Four hypotheses were tested, proposing relations between career exploration, career planning and career commitment with flourishing at work. The study included 149 professionals, most were under 45 years old and had an average of seven years of professional experience. Results indicated that both career exploration and planning predict flourishing at work, being this relationship mediated by career commitment. These evidence may be useful for autonomous workers, professional advisors, career researchers and organizations which aim for flourishing at work through career development.

Flourishing en el trabajo es un objetivo perseguido por muchos profesionales que ponen esfuerzo en su carrera hoy en día. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre qué factores de carrera ayudarían a alguien a desarrollar en el trabajo. Por lo tanto, este estudio investigó cómo las conductas de carrera se relacionan con el flourishing en el trabajo. Cuatro hipótesis fueron probadas, que propusieron las relaciones entre la exploración de carreras, planes de carrera y el compromiso profesional con el flourishing en el trabajo. En el estudio participaron 149 profesionales, la mayoría eran menores de 45 años de edad y tenían un promedio de siete años de experiencia profesional. Los resultados indicaron que la planificación y exploración de carreras están directamente relacionadas con el flourishing en el trabajo y esta relación es mediada por el compromiso con la carrera profesional. Las evidencias pueden ser útiles para los trabajadores autónomos, asesores profesionales, investigadores profesionales y organizaciones que buscan prosperar en el trabajo a través del desarrollo de carrera.

Mediating role of coping competence on the relationship between mindfulness and flourishing / Papel mediador del afrontamiento de la competencia en la relación entre la concienciación y el florecimiento

The aim of this research is to investigate the mediator role of coping competence on the relationship between mindfulness and flourishing. Participants were 284 university students who completed a questionnaire package that included the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale, the Coping Competence Questionnaire, and the Flourishing Scale. The relationships between coping competence, mindfulness, and flourishing were examined using correlation and regression analysis. According to results, both coping competence and flourishing were predicted positively by mindfulness. On the other hand, flourishing was predicted positively by coping competence. In addition, coping competence mediated on the relationship between mindfulness and flourishing. Together, the findings illuminate the importance of mindfulness on psychological and cognitive adjustment. The results were discussed in the light of the related literature and dependent recommendations to the area were given.

El objetivo de esta investigación es estudiar el papel mediador del afrontamiento de la competencia en la relación entre la concienciación y el florecimiento. Participaron 284 estudiantes universitarios que rellenaron un paquete de cuestionarios que incluía la Escala de Concienciación Cognitiva y Afectiva, el Cuestionario de Afrontamiento de la Competencia, y la Escala de Florecimiento. Se examinaron las relaciones entre el afrontamiento de la competencia, la concienciación y el florecimiento utilizando un análisis de correlación y regresión. De acuerdo con los resultados, tanto el afrontamiento de la competencia como el florecimiento fueron predichos de manera positiva por la concienciación. Por otro lado, el florecimiento fue predicho positivamente por el afrontamiento de la competencia. Además, el afrontamiento de la competencia medió en la relación entre la concienciación y el florecimiento. En conjunto, los hallazgos ilustran la importancia de la concienciación en el ajuste psicológico y cognitivo. Se analizaron los resultados a la luz de la literatura relacionada, otorgándose las recomendaciones dependientes del área en cuestión.