Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

934

Date

2013

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Major

Counseling

Committee Chair

Richard James

Committee Member

Norman D. Rice

Committee Member

Pamela Cogdal

Committee Member

Stephen Zanskas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a positively oriented group experience (human potential lab) on the awareness of personal strengths and perceived importance of goal setting in non-traditional aged undergraduates. The research questions that were posed were: 1) Does participation in the human potential lab experience increase the perceived capability to achieve goals in non-traditional aged undergraduates? 2) Does participation in the human potential lab experience increase the perceived importance of short-term goals to overall success in non-traditional aged undergraduates? 3) Does participation in the human potential lab experience increase the perceived importance of long-term goals to overall success in non-traditional aged undergraduates? 4) Does participation in the human potential lab experience increase awareness of strengths in non-traditional aged undergraduates? Results of ANOVA analysis across pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments indicated that participating in a positively oriented group experience was positively related to an increase in awareness of strengths, perceived ability to achieve goals, and perceived importance of both short and long-term goals to overall success. The data also strengthened the position of existing research, supporting conclusions regarding the goal orientation of adults, the efficacy of positive psychology interventions, and the life-span development of adults.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Download

Share

COinS