Browsing by Subject "vahvuuslähtöinen ajattelu"

The goal of this thesis is to disclose the conceptions that young adults, who are on a gap year, have of their own strengths. In addition, this research examines how useful these strengths are perceived on different parts of life, and how does recognizing one’s own strengths affect planning their future. The theory part defines the concept of strength and the different processes that lead to the introduction of one’s strengths. The part also presents previous researches about the positive effects of recognizing one’s strengths. The material consists of interviews of three young adults, who are on a gap year. The method used for the interviews was theme interview and the method for the analysis of the data was content analysis. The interviewees seemed to have quite clear conceptions of their own strengths. They emphasized on specific core strengths, that appeared on different parts of their lives. The interviewees strengths were seen as permanent. The strengths were also seen as something the interviewees can utilize at work, free time as well as at school. Though, school was not seen as a place where strengths are at their fullest or where the development of one’s strengths would be supported. The material showed up three different means, how understanding one’s strengths affect planning their future. The strengths were seen as signposts of future, factors that support dreaming and as necessary tools in future.