What is positive psychology coaching? - Chapter 2

Positive psychology coaching is a term that is used to signify coaching methods and approaches alongside similar approaches including evidence-based coaching and strengths coaching. Although these approaches overlap, this chapter describes PPC as having unique characteristics, such that is can be referred to as a separate endeavour. The definition used here is as follows: positive psychology coaching (PPC) refers to coaching approaches that seek to improve short-term wellbeing (hedonic wellbeing) and sustainable wellbeing (that is: eudaimonic wellbeing) using evidence-based approaches from positive psychology and the science of wellbeing and enable the person to do this in an ongoing manner after coaching has completed. In this definition, two types of wellbeing are distinguished. Short-term hedonic wellbeing can be considered as analogous to cash flow: something that is great to have, but short term and easily gone if there is no long-term supply. On the other hand sustainable (eudaimonic) wellbeing is considered as analogous to an asset: it can be built or lost and also impacts upon cash flow. 

Which four theories underpin positive psychology coaching?

Four positive psychological theories underpin positive psychology coaching: (1) strengths theory; (2) broaden-and-build theory; (3) self-determination theory; (4) wellbeing theory. Each of these theories will be discussed briefly below.

Strengths theory

Strengths theory can be considered as a family of theories or a unifying proposition rather than a single theory. The central proposition here is that people will perform, feel and function better is they are using their strengths. Therefore, researchers and practitioners have developed strength assessment tools in order to assist people to gain knowledge on their strengths, and then use their strengths and spot the strengths in others. 

Broaden-and-build theory

The broaden-and-build theory (BBT) is developed primarily to answer the question: 'What is the function of positive emotion?'. BBT proposes that experiences of positive emotions broaden people's momentary though-action repertoires. In other words, the menu of choices of thinking and acting is broader when someone is experiencing positive emotions. This in turn serves to build enduring personal resources including physical, intellectual, social and psychological resources. 

Self-determination theory

Self-determination theory is a set of theories which examine the effect of different types of motivation. SDT is a needs theory that proposes three universal psychological needs: (1) autonomy; (2) relatedness; (3) competence. In other words, people need to make their own choices, connect with others and feel competent as they exercise and grow their capacities. According to SDT, if these three needs are met, a person will have increased autonomous motivation, which in turn leads to greater perseverance as tasks that were originally from an external origin, such as a boss or a parent, become more internalized. 

Wellbeing theory

Wellbeing theory (WT) is quite similar to SDT. It is sometimes referred to as PERMA theory, which is the acronym for the five components: Positive emotions, Engagement, (positive) Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment. PERMA is an evolution of Seligman's work on authentic happiness, which includes positive emotions, engagement and meaning. Relationships and accomplishments have been added to the theory. 

What are the coaching aims and processes of positive psychology coaching? 

The PPC coaching aims are based on the definition provided for PPC, thus involving short-term and sustainable wellbeing. They can be summarized as follows:

Short-term wellbeing coaching aims:

• Modulate ratio of positive to negative emotions (preferably 3 to 1).
• Ensure basic life needs are satisfied.
• Foster positive relationships.
• Know and use strengths to gain mastery and feel energized.
• Increase experiences of flow.

Sustainable wellbeing coaching aims:

• Increase sense of meaning and purpose.
• Live authentically in line with strengths and values.
• Increase sense of autonomy including seeing autonomy-supportive environments.
• Live in line with 'true self' and strive to achieve your perceived potential.
• Build resilience resources, such as optimism, functional social support, mindfulness skills, and willpower. 

Prototypical characteristics of the process of PPC are: opportunity-based, positive lens, approach motivation-based, growth expectation and collaborative working alliance. Unique to PPC however is not the collaborative working alliance between coach and coachee, but the ways the goals are constructed: approach goals and subjective ownership. The overarching aim is not just to increase the two types of wellbeing, but to enable the coachee to learn how to do it themselves in an ongoing way after the cessation of the coaching proper. 

What practical tools and techniques do coaches use in practice?

In this section, we review some practical tools and techniques that coaches use in practice.

Positive case conceptualization

First, positive case conceptualization is similar to the idea of a positive diagnosis and the idea of a solution-focused case conceptualization. Coach and coachee make sense of relationships between key aspects of the person's psychological and social world using key concepts within positive psychology, such as strengths, positive emotions, and meaning. The aim here is not to diagnose and find deficits or causes of the problem. Instead, the aim is to reconfigure possibilities and look for opportunities. A key guiding question therefore is: 'If things are functioning really well, and people in the system are feeling good, what does it look like?'

Positive psychological assessment

Second, with the increased scientific development of positive psychology and the science of wellbeing, there now is a wide variety of brief, easy to use and valid positive psychological assessment tools that can form part of the PPC process. Some example assessments are: performance strengths assessment; positive and negative emotions; and life satisfaction. 

Three good things

Three good things can be used in coaching conversations or one-to-one conversations, in which the coach (leader of the conversation) wishes to encourage a more positive response from their coachee. It starts with the use of the following question: 'What are the three best things about .... (for example: working here)?' The coach is encouraging the coachee to focus on the positive aspects of the issue at hand, rather than being drawn to the negative. 

Gratitude

Gratitude serves as a social function in helping to build and maintain relationships between family members and the wider kinship group. Even more so, gratitude encourages individuals to focus their attention on the positive aspects of one's life, rather than dwelling to the negative. Research also has linked gratitude with more proactive behaviours towards others, as well as to hope and life satisfaction. Some say gratitude has diminished in Western society. Wealth, possessions and health have, for many of us, become expected norms, rather than personal 'blessings' that are appreciated. One technique that can be used is a reflective exercise, in which the client is asked to spend a brief period reflecting on the things that he or she most appreciates during the day. 

Random acts of kindness

Random acts of kindness (RAK) refer to selfless acts that are performed by a person wishing to either help or cheer up another person. Unfortunately, in our individualistic world, where time is money, these elements are often forgotten. By using this technique, the coachee is encouraged to slow their pace, and to both savour each experience and to show appreciation to those they encounter. Ideas for random acts of kindness are: compliment one thing that you like about three people you meet during the day, send flowers to a friend or a parent, or write a hand-written card to a teacher, boss or colleague to thank them for something they have done. 

When is positive psychology coaching most suitable?

PPC is perhaps not suitable for people with a mental illness, be it a depression or anxiety or other. Yet, this depends on the skill set of the coach and the degree of distress and psychopathology of the coachee. Yet, some other coachee factors have shown to be likely to predict successful coachee outcomes for PPC: there is a belief that a person is fundamentally good, will try to grow when given the environmental opportunity, and that they will seek meaning. These assumptions are not consistent with some world views, in particular those that are authoritarian, extremely nature focused (biologically based), or those that simply do not believe in the agency of a person to influence their destiny. 

Positive psychology coaching is a term that is used to signify coaching methods and approaches alongside similar approaches including evidence-based coaching and strengths coaching. Although these approaches overlap, this chapter describes PPC as having unique characteristics, such that is can be referred to as a separate endeavour. The definition used here is as follows: positive psychology coaching (PPC) refers to coaching approaches that seek to improve short-term wellbeing (hedonic wellbeing) and sustainable wellbeing (that is: eudaimonic wellbeing) using evidence-based approaches from positive psychology and the science of wellbeing and enable the person to do this in an ongoing manner after coaching has completed. In this definition, two types of wellbeing are distinguished. Short-term hedonic wellbeing can be considered as analogous to cash flow: something that is great to have, but short term and easily gone if there is no long-term supply. On the other hand sustainable (eudaimonic) wellbeing is considered as analogous to an asset: it can be built or lost and also impacts upon cash flow.