Article
Positive Psychology for Social Justice Interventions: A Case Example of Strengths-Driven Evaluation
Academy of Management Proceedings
(2014)
Abstract
Strengths-based approaches to empowering individuals, groups, communities and organizations have gained considerable popularity in recent years. The research and practice of strengths-related approaches in psychological and social justice practice primarily focuses on assessments used to identify strengths and develop interventions. However, there is a dearth of research on using a strengths approach to evaluating interventions and programs at the institutional level. This article draws from the two disciplines of positive psychology and evaluation and illustrates a strengths-driven approach to evaluation using a case example of a halfway house for previously incarcerated women. Further, the findings are mapped out along positive psychological theoretical underpinnings embedded in the program strengths. Lessons from the case demonstrate that application of a strengths-driven approach to evaluate social justice interventions can be empowering for institutions and the communities they serve.
Keywords
- Positive psychology,
- Social justice interventions
Disciplines
Publication Date
2014
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.2014.12806abstract
Publisher Statement
Published by Academy of Management
Citation Information
Meg Warren, Stewart I. Donaldson and Nicole Porter. "Positive Psychology for Social Justice Interventions: A Case Example of Strengths-Driven Evaluation" Academy of Management Proceedings Vol. 2014 Iss. 1 (2014) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/meg-warren/14/