An Integrative Literature Review of Meaningful-Centered Coaching Applications

The purpose of this study was to explore the theoretical connection between coaching and meaning therapy, and to examine the philosophical basis and practical applicability of ‘Meaning-Centered Coaching’. For this purpose, 18 articles (10 domestic and 8 international) published in Korea and abroad from May to June 2025 were analyzed using an integrative literature review method. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, the study found that coaching and logotherapy share a common grounding in existentialist philosophy, are complementary in their dialog-centered approaches, and are linked to therapeutic effectiveness and performance goals. Second, the core philosophical underpinnings of meaningful–centered coaching consisted of an existentialist view of the human person, transforming suffering into opportunities for growth, and the practical transformation of existential reflection. Third, the practical applicability of meaningful-centered coaching was demonstrated in the context of meaning discovery coaching, life-cycle personalized coaching, and group coaching. In conclusion, this study expanded the existential horizon of coaching theory through the interdisciplinary integration of coaching and meaning therapy. It suggests that meaningful-centered coaching offers the possibility of a paradigm shift in coaching and can contribute to the redefinition of coaching's academic identity through a deeper understanding of human existence and a practical approach.