Examining the Impact of Life Coaching on Self-Concept and Self-Esteem
Ayleigh Williams-Spooner and Glynis Freeman
Citation: Williams-Spooner, A., & Freeman, G. (2023). Examining the Impact of Life Coaching on Self-Concept and Self-Esteem. International Journal of Coaching Psychology, 5, 2, 1-16. https://ijcp.nationalwellbeingservice.com/volumes/volume-5-2024/volume-5-article-2
Processing dates: Submitted: 11 October 2022; Resubmitted: 19 September 2023; Accepted: 10 October 2023; Published: 14 March 2024
Abstract
Aims: To provide further understanding of the benefits and limitations of this rapidly growing profession, this study investigated the effect of coaching on self-esteem and self-concept.
Methodology: Self-report measures were used to monitor the self-esteem and self-concept of 27 participants (25 female, 3 male) before and after an online 60-minute life coaching session.
Results: Results showed self-esteem levels to significantly increase after coaching. While self-concept also increased, the finding was not significant. Examining gender, past coaching
experience, and coaching profession showed non-significant results. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between pre and post self-esteem and self-concept.
Discussion & Conclusion: Research into coaching has numerous difficulties such as the subjectivity of coaching and life experience, the struggle of regulating coaching styles and
monitoring discussion topics. Many theories and research declare coaching to have a positive effect on individuals’ self-esteem, but the lack of significant results found for self-concept in
this study suggests further research is needed to fully understand coaching’s impact. This study provides a starting point for further research, while raising intriguing questions and offering
numerous ideas for future investigation.
Key words: Coaching psychology, self-esteem, self-concept, online, GROW model
Biographies
Glynis Freeman is a Research Supervisor / Academic Advisor at University of East London, London, UK
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0593-9343
Ayleigh Williams-Spooner is with the University of East London, London, UK
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6270-6514
Email: ayleighjaws@gmail.com