An Exploratory Study on the Relationship Between Positive Psychology and Coaching and Its Applications

This study aims to identify the influences of positive psychology on coaching and explore how coaching can address the limitations of positive psychology. The findings reveal a theoretical link between positive psychology and coaching, with both critically challenging traditional psychology’s negativity bias which shapes their identities. Moreover, the scientific research on human strengths from positive psychology is actively utilized in the design and efficacy assessment of coaching programs. However, positive psychology faces criticism for its dichotomous perspective on positive and negative emotions, a limitation likely stemming from its strong emphasis on scientific methodology. Therefore, coaching should adopt a more balanced approach considering both positive emotions and individuals managing them. Furthermore, the study acknowledges that positive psychology’s tendency to downplay ethical issues can also manifest in coaching due to its focus on performance, underscoring the need for ongoing ethical discussions. Based on the results, the study suggests future directions for coaching development: first, leveraging the scientific findings of positive psychology while recognizing its limitations; second, fostering a coaching philosophy that encompasses the meaning of life and the value of relationships.