Applying strength-based therapeutic recreation for dealing with job stress, work–family conflict, and family–work conflict

Abstract

This research introduces strength-based therapeutic recreation (STR) as an innovative approach to address job stress, work–family conflict, and family–work conflict among employees. STR involves personalized leisure activities tailored to individuals’ signature character strengths in daily life. The study, encompassing 82 married employees (70.73% female, mean age = 36.77 years), reveals significant reductions in job stress and both work–family and family–work conflicts within the experimental group undergoing a 10-week STR workshop. By empowering employees to engage in strength-based leisure activities, STR enhances the propensity to reduce job stress, work–family conflict, and family–work conflict. This approach holds practical potential for organizations seeking to improve employee mental health and productivity through tailored interventions.