Group coaching for wellbeing in a community context
Wellbeing has increasingly become a topic of great significance and interest to individuals, organisations, and society in general. Research has shown the links between wellbeing, physical and mental health, productivity, and its positive impact on communities. There is wide evidence to support the economic and social case for wellbeing, but its importance goes beyond measurable and hard outcomes. Wellbeing matters because people matter, and they do feel better when they have good levels of wellbeing. Recognising the benefits of wellbeing, there has been a renewed interest, from a social policy and public health perspective, in developing interventions to support people in improving their levels of wellbeing. Coaching is well-placed to be such an intervention, and group coaching, in particular, may offer a solution that is cost- effective and can reach larger numbers of people, whilst strengthening the fabric of communities and society. To explore the potential of coaching within the context described above, this multimethod investigation of group coaching with two community-based groups has been designed to explore how group coaching for wellbeing can foster the wellbeing of individuals. A multi-methods methodology, informed by principles of action research, has been chosen because it is best suited to explore real-life issues with engagement from participants and a pragmatic output aimed at improving practice. As such, the BeWell Group Coaching for Wellbeing Model was developed based on theoretical underpinnings as well as available empirical studies. The model was implemented, and data was collected using semi-structured interviews, focus groups, the researcher’s diary and a wellbeing scale that was applied before and after the group coaching intervention. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The BeWell Group Coaching for Wellbeing Model developed for this study included three pillars – Be, Relate and Act – based mostly, but not exclusively, on psychological wellbeing and positive psychology theories and practice. Findings identified emerging themes that supported coachees in developing their wellbeing, including interactions with the group, positive emotions, raised self-awareness and meaning, exploring options, and effecting change. Group coaching has served both as a catalyst for change and as a conducive space in which to explore wellbeing. Feedback from coachees confirmed the benefits of the model developed and the importance of group work processes, which would warrant further research. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge of coaching by delivering an empirical Group Coaching for Wellbeing Model that can be applied in various contexts and used by coaching practitioners. Furthermore, it expands the understanding of the impact of group coaching in general and, specifically, how it can be delivered to improve people’s wellbeing. It shows how the group plays a crucial role in supporting and enabling individuals to reflect upon and take action to improve their wellbeing. Furthermore, it explores how the group coaching facilitates the engagement of individuals with the key building blocks of wellbeing, which are supported by the proposed model.
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