Evidence-based life coaching for senior high school students: Building hardiness and hope

Objective: To extend the knowledge base on the use of life coaching as an applied positive psychology. Studies to date have utilised community samples with participants of varying ages and most research has used adult community samples. The present study is unusual in that it examined the efficacy of an evidence-based (cognitive-behavioural, solution-focused) life coaching programme in enhancing cognitive hardiness and hope in senior female high school students. Design: In a randomised controlled experimental design, 56 female senior high school students (mean age 16 years) were randomly allocated to an individual life coach (N=28) or to a wait-list control group (N=28). Method: 10 teachers were trained in theories and techniques of coaching psychology through a manualised ‘Teacher as Coach’ workshop. Participants were randomly allocated to a Teacher-Coach with whom they met individually for 10 sessions over two school terms. Results: Life coaching was associated with significant increases in levels of cognitive hardiness and hope, and significant decreases in levels of depression. Conclusions: Life coaching may be an effective intervention for high school students.