Year
2004
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
Department
Department of Psychology
Recommended Citation
Green, Suzy, The efficacy of group-based life coaching: a controlled trial, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) thesis, Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, 2004. https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/2132
Abstract
Despite life coaching's increasing popularity worldwide, there is little empirical research available to attest to its effectiveness, not only in regard to goal attainment but additionally its impact on well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate life coaching's effectiveness within a group-based program. The life coaching group program was based on cognitive-behavioural and solution-focused techniques. Fifty-six participants from a non-clinical population took part in a randomized wait-list control study. Twenty-eight participants were assigned to a 10 week life coaching group program and 28 participants were wait-listed for ten weeks prior to commencing the same coaching program. Results of the wait-list control study found that participation in a life coaching group program was associated with significant increases in goal striving, hope and both psychological and subjective well-being. Additionally, the study found that gains were maintained up to 30 weeks later for goal striving, positive affect, environmental mastery, positive relations with others, purpose in life, self-acceptance, autonomy, agency, pathways and total hope. A significant decrease in stress was also found over the 30 week period. The wait-list control group who went on to become a life coaching group showed significant increases in goal striving, positive affect, purpose in life, pathways and total hope. Increases on goal striving, pathways and total hope were maintained 20 weeks later. A significant decrease is stress was also found over the 20 week period. Hope theory is utilised to explain the positive outcomes found as a result of the life coaching intervention. Future directions may explore the use of life coaching as a mental health prevention or promotion intervention.
Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.