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Strengths Use and Current Knowledge Scale
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About Strengths Use and Current Knowledge Scale
Scale Name
Strengths Use and Current Knowledge Scale
Author Details
Reena Govindji and P. Alex Linley (2007), adapted by Aaron Jarden
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Strengths Use and Current Knowledge Scale (SUCK), adapted by Aaron Jarden from the 14-item Strengths Use Scale (SUS) and Strengths Knowledge Scale (SKS) developed by Reena Govindji and P. Alex Linley in 2007, is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess individuals’ awareness and application of their personal strengths, with an added temporal question to evaluate changes in strengths use over time. Targeting adults, the scale aligns with positive psychology principles, emphasizing strengths as natural capacities that enable authentic expression and energize individuals (Govindji & Linley, 2007). It is used to measure strengths knowledge (awareness of one’s strengths) and strengths use (active application in daily life), with applications in coaching, well-being interventions, and organizational psychology.
The original SUS and SKS consist of 14 items each, rated on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = “strongly disagree” to 7 = “strongly agree”). The SUCK is a shorter adaptation, though the exact number of items is not specified in available sources, combining key items from both scales and adding a temporal question to assess changes in strengths engagement. Example items include “I know the things I do best” (knowledge) and “I am regularly able to do what I do best” (use). Scores are summed for each subscale, with higher scores indicating greater strengths awareness or use. A combination score may be calculated, but specific scoring details for the SUCK adaptation are unavailable. The scale is validated in adult samples, particularly in coaching and educational contexts, to predict well-being, self-esteem, and vitality.
Psychologists, coaching professionals, and positive psychology researchers use the SUCK to assess strengths-based behaviors, design interventions, and enhance well-being. Its brevity and temporal focus are strengths, but moderate reliability in some contexts and English-only availability may limit cross-cultural use. The scale’s psychometric properties are derived from the original SUS (Cronbach’s α = 0.94–0.97) and SKS (α ≈ 0.80–0.90), with the adaptation presumed to maintain similar reliability.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a copy of the scale from authorized sources, such as Govindji and Linley (2007) in International Coaching Psychology Review (Vol. 2, pp. 143-153) or Aaron Jarden’s adaptations via positive psychology resources, ensuring ethical use permissions.
- Explain the purpose to respondents, noting that it assesses awareness and use of personal strengths to support well-being and growth, emphasizing anonymity and using clear, non-judgmental language.
- Provide instructions, asking respondents to rate their agreement with statements about strengths knowledge and use, plus a temporal question on changes over time, using the 7-point scale, based on recent experiences.
- Approximate time for completion is 2-4 minutes, depending on the number of items in the shortened version.
- Administer in coaching, educational, or research settings, using paper or digital formats, ensuring a private environment. Oral administration may be used for accessibility.
Reliability and Validity
The SUCK inherits psychometric properties from the original SUS and SKS, as reported in Govindji and Linley (2007) and Wood et al. (2011). The SUS shows high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.94–0.97) and longitudinal stability (r = 0.84 over 3–6 months). The SKS has good reliability (α ≈ 0.80–0.90). The SUCK’s shorter format and added temporal question are assumed to maintain similar reliability, though specific data is unavailable.
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with subjective well-being (r ≈ 0.40–0.60), psychological well-being (r ≈ 0.30–0.50), self-esteem (r ≈ 0.50), and vitality (r ≈ 0.40) (Govindji & Linley, 2007). Discriminant validity is evidenced by weaker correlations with unrelated constructs, like cognitive performance (r < 0.30). Criterion validity is demonstrated by predicting well-being and stress reduction in longitudinal studies (Wood et al., 2011). The SUS’s single-factor structure (56.2% variance explained) supports construct validity, with the SUCK presumed to align similarly. Moderate reliability in some adaptations suggests cautious use, ideally paired with validated measures like the VIA Inventory of Strengths (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Govindji, R., & Linley, P. A. (2007). Strengths use, self-concordance and well-being: Implications for strengths coaching and coaching psychologists. International Coaching Psychology Review, 2(2), 143-153.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Strengths Use and Current Knowledge Scale measure?
It measures awareness and use of personal strengths, with a temporal question on changes.
Who can use the scale?
Psychologists, coaching professionals, and researchers studying adults in coaching or educational settings.
How long does the scale take to complete?
It takes about 2-4 minutes.
Is the scale specific to certain groups?
It targets adults, particularly in coaching and educational contexts.
Can the scale inform interventions?
Yes, its reliability supports strengths-based coaching and well-being interventions.
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