Linking perceived supervisor support for strengths use to employee strengths use: the perspective of theory of planned behavior

The present article attempted to unravel the mechanism underlying the relationship between perceived supervisor support for strengths use (PSSSU) and employee strengths use behavior from the perspective of theory of planned behavior. Data were gathered at three time points, spaced by a four-week interval, with a convenience sample of 213 employees working in a broad variety of organizations in China. Results of structural equation modeling analyses revealed that PSSSU is positively related to employee strengths self-efficacy, intention to use strengths, and strengths use behavior. In addition, employee strengths self-efficacy mediated the linkage between PSSSU and strengths use behavior, and intention to use strengths also acted as a mediator in the relationship. More importantly, the positive association of PSSSU with strengths use behavior was fully mediated by strengths self-efficacy and intention to use strengths sequentially. The present article has crucial implications for understanding the relationship between PSSSU and strengths use behavior and its mechanisms.