Positive Psychology: A Scholar-Practitioner Approach to Evidence Based Coaching

In this thesis, I assert positive psychology is the science at the heart of coaching and argue it is an evidence-based coaching model. I provide a background of positive psychology and briefly discuss its history, evolution, psychological influences and current challenges. I discuss the nature of coaching, varying definitions and common themes. Critical questions surrounding Evidence Based Practice (EBP) and how can it be applied to coaching are also addressed. Examples of single, integrative and cross-disciplinary theoretical approaches to coaching are also explored. In my final chapter, I review and answer my thesis question of whether positive psychology is an evidence based approach to coaching, including an example from a recent client engagement. Coaching considerations for using positive psychology are explored as is the future of positive psychology coaching and research areas.

Author dc:creator

• Chance, Karen S

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/41880

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.upenn.edu:20.500.14332/41880