Changes in Finnish ninth graders’ positive psychological capital (PsyCap) in a strength-based student guidance intervention

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to implement the strength-based student guidance among ninth graders by using a Power Zone tool and to analyse what kind of impact the guidance had in students. The especial focus was on the analysis of positive psychological capital (PsyCap). The test group (n = 57 students) and the control group (n = 46 students) were selected from two ordinary mainstreaming comprehensive schools with grades from 1 to 9 located in West-Finland. In the test group, the students’ scores in PsyCap, strengths and resources, and student guidance increased positively and more than in the control group. The statistically significant change was found in the test group regarding their strengths and resources and a very significant change in the experiences of student guidance. The findings were encouraging. The positive changes encourage using the Power Zone tool in student guidance. It is possible to increase PsyCap through the strength-based guidance.