Background

The academic community and practitioners have called for the integration of Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology given their mutual focus on well-being, growth, and peak human potential.  A ‘Conceptual Framework for a Positive Psychology Coaching Practice’ has been proposed by Burke (2018) to guide the practice of PPC.

This international study was the first to investigate the use of the Framework with 14 International Coach Federation credentialed coaches in eight countries who self-identified as using positive psychology in their coaching practice.

Aims

The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of the Conceptual Framework and its practical application by 14 credentialed coaches in order to inform future training and implementation of a Positive Psychology Coaching practice in this emerging integrated field.

Method

A qualitative methodology was adopted using a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore the social phenomena that participants undertook in practicing positive psychology coaching.

Results

The study revealed three important findings: 1) according to Burke’s Conceptual Framework, the participants had not fully integrated PP within their coaching practice and maximized its full potential, 2) while integrating Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology gains momentum in academia, ‘on the ground’ they were understood as separate and distinct fields, and 3) Underscored the need for greater connection and communication between theory (i.e. academia) and practice (i.e. applied coaching) to assist in effectively operationalizing Positive Psychology Coaching.

Conclusion

This international study illuminated the experience of 14 ICF-credentialed coaches as examined through the lens of investigating the use of a Conceptual Framework for a Positive Psychology Coaching Practice using Grounded Theory. 

This investigation provides researchers, educators and practitioners with guidance to inform future training, education and implementation regarding an integrated Positive Psychology Coaching practice. It also contributes to advancing the research and knowledge necessary for coaches to practice Positive Psychology Coaching effectively in this emerging integrated field.