The study reflects the clients' experience of solution-focused coaching. The purpose of this paper is to explore how clients are coping with work-life-balance issues after being coached with a solution-focused approach. Using semi-structured interviews and IPA analysis, this study examines the effectiveness of solution-focused coaching with eight professionals who have reported to experience work-life balance issues. There is a collective agreement about the efficacy of solution-focused coaching in relation to well-being and goal-attainment.
This study aims to research if the approach will have similar outcomes in regard to work-life imbalance. Three higher-order themes were identified: coachee's feelings after the session, experienced change and usefulness of defined solution-focused options. The themes help generate insight into how the clients experienced the coaching session and whether the approach has helped them achieve a work-life balance.
Table of Contents
1. Literature Review
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Work-Life-Balance
1.3 Solution-Focused-Coaching
2. Method
2.1 Design
2.2 Participants
2.3 Procedure
2.4 Data analysis
3. Results
3.1 Coachee's feelings after the session
3.1.1 Positivity
3.1.2 Motivation
3.1.3 Being in control
3.2 Experienced change
3.2.1 Mindfulness
3.2.2 Progress
3.3 The usefulness of defined solution-focused options
3.3.1 Installing new thought patterns
3.3.2 Separation of work and life domains
4. Discussion
4.1 Coachee's feelings after the session
4.2 Experienced change
4.3 The usefulness of defined solution-focused options
5. Limitations and Future Research
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of solution-focused coaching (SFC) in helping individuals address work-life balance challenges. The research seeks to understand how coachees subjectively experience this coaching approach and whether it enables them to navigate role interference and stress more effectively.
- Effectiveness of solution-focused coaching in work-life balance
- Coachee's subjective feelings and emotional responses following sessions
- Practical application of solution-focused tools in daily life
- Phenomenological analysis of coach-client interaction and transformation
- Internalized shifts in thought patterns and self-management
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 Positivity
The first topic emerged from the description of the feelings which the coachees have expressed after the session. All of the coachees declared that they felt a positive sensation after the session, with Varna stating that she "felt quite positive actually because I had found a step forward in relation to an issue".
The words which were used by the participants to describe their feelings were not identical but shared a comparable understanding. The terms "relaxed", "energised", and "calm" were often used to describe the experienced positive emotion.
I felt a lot calmer than I had done before... (Erfurt)
I felt energised...if I have to describe it in one word. (London)
Participants mentioned several times that the session brought some insights to them and that they felt enlightened. Varna has stated that she has gained insights talking and responding to the questions during the session, whilst Petra noted that she felt that more profound beliefs have been uncovered, which brought up deeper insights about the problems she was dealing with.
I also reflected on it a lot, thinking how just being able to talk to somebody and responding to your questions just suddenly made a little bulb going on in my head. (Varna)
...it started about something quite not so significant and like one hour week for myself and...and then it uncovered and rivalled into being worthy and having time for myself. (Petra)
Summary of Chapters
1. Literature Review: Provides a comprehensive overview of work-life balance challenges and the theoretical foundations and historical origins of solution-focused coaching.
2. Method: Describes the qualitative phenomenological research design, participant selection criteria, and the use of the Miracle Question during interventions.
3. Results: Details the primary findings organized into themes, specifically focusing on emotional states post-session, experienced behavioral changes, and the utility of specific coaching tools.
4. Discussion: Synthesizes the results with existing literature, highlighting how solution-focused approaches foster optimism and improve personal self-regulation.
5. Limitations and Future Research: Addresses methodological constraints such as potential researcher bias and suggests avenues for future longitudinal studies.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, affirming that solution-focused coaching is a valuable, tool-based intervention for mitigating work-life imbalance.
Keywords
Solution-focused coaching, work-life balance, positive psychology, coaching psychology, phenomenological analysis, well-being, mindfulness, goal-attainment, self-efficacy, emotional exhaustion, coaching effectiveness, stress management, personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
This study explores the lived experiences of clients participating in solution-focused coaching specifically to address difficulties in achieving work-life balance.
What are the central themes identified in the study?
The research identified three overarching themes: the client's emotional state following the coaching session, the tangible changes experienced by the clients, and the practical usefulness of the solution-focused options provided.
What is the primary research question?
The study aims to determine if the solution-focused coaching approach is effective in helping individuals improve their work-life balance and how they perceive that influence.
Which methodology was applied in this paper?
The research employed a qualitative methodology utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) based on semi-structured interviews and a one-hour coaching session intervention.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body covers the theoretical literature review, detailed study design and procedure (including the application of the 'Miracle Question'), presentation of thematic results, and a critical discussion of findings.
Which keywords define this work?
The work is defined by terms such as solution-focused coaching, work-life balance, well-being, mindfulness, and phenomenological analysis.
How does the "Miracle Question" contribute to the coaching process?
It is used as a tool to shift the coachee's attention away from the problem itself and toward potential solutions and future possibilities that already exist, facilitating self-discovery.
What role does mindfulness play in the reported outcomes?
Participants reported that mindfulness helped them observe their issues more objectively, stop the cycle of overthinking, and maintain better boundaries between work and personal life.
What significance does the "separation of work and life domains" hold for participants?
Participants highlighted this as a crucial step for achieving balance, noting that the coaching tools helped them mentally switch off from work and avoid bringing work-related stressors home.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Silvia Stoycheva (Autor:in), 2021, Clients' experience of solution-focused coaching for addressing work-life balance, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1299506
