Avoiding problems or approaching solutions? Revealing the effects of both problem-/solution-focused questioning, and their interplay with approach/avoidance goal-orientations on coaching outcomes

Abstract

oaching research has focused on uncovering process factors within the coaching conversation that actively impact coaching success. Coaches can exert influence on coaching outcomes through their coaching questions, and by helping the coachee with setting a coaching goal. Coaching questions can either be solution- (SF) or problem-focused (PF), and coaching goals can either be approach- (APP) or avoidance-oriented (AVD). Using an experimental 2 (coaching questions: SF vs. PF) x 2 (goal orientation: APP vs. AVD) manipulation design, we investigated the effect of both coaching process factors and their interplay on coaching outcomes in an online self-coaching exercise. After testing 117 participants and analysing the data using several ANOVA’s, it was found that SF coaching questions as compared to PF coaching questions led to decreases in negative affect and increases in positive affect. The type of questions asked did not affect outcomes for self-efficacy and goal-attainment. Nevertheless, participants showed increases in perceived goal-attainment scores for both SF and PF coaching question conditions. Finally, no interaction was found between the type of goal set (APP vs. AVD) and the type of coaching questions (SF vs. PF). This study contributes to the existing literature by providing evidence for the effect of SF coaching questions on affective states. Evidence related to the working elements in coaching, and the process factors within the coaching conversation, greatly informs coaching practitioners and helps them to improve the quality of coaching.