The effect of group-based life coaching on happiness and well-being

This study set out to test the hypothesis that overall well-being and happiness can be affected by a structured, supportive, peer coaching group that facilitates, the positive aspects that contribute to happiness and well-being. This study examined the effects of a coaching workshop that takes an integrated and self-directed focus towards achievable congruent goals in all areas of life. The workshops encourage intrinsic motivation, selfknowledge, positive feeling, self-efficacy and growth. In a quasi-experimental two-factor design, 40 self-selected participants were randomly assigned to attend either a coaching workshop run once a week over a six-week period (experimental group n=23), or a control group (control group n=17). A series of 2x3 split plot analyses of variance were carried out with Time (pre v post v follow up) as the within participant factor and Group (experimental v control) as the between participants factor. All participants completed self-report measures for general happiness, psychological well-being, satisfaction with life, self-efficacy, positive emotion and hope. These measures were completed before and after the experimental intervention and then again three months later. The experimental group attended at least four public life-coaching workshops over a six-week period. The control group also met once a week as an unstructured group in general discussion over the same time period and again were required to attend at least four times. The results for those in the experimental coaching group showed a significant effect compared to the control group. The number of participants was small yet the study produced some significant results, which were sustained for three months. Group life coaching can certainly be said to effect aspects of being that are known to be important contributors to intrinsic motivation, happiness and well-being.