An integrated approach to coaching for individual thriving

Abstract

The purpose of coaching psychology is to apply knowledge and methods from the psychological sciences to promote human thriving. This article builds on a presentation given at the British Psychological Society’s coaching psychology conference in June 2023. It begins by arguing for the need for an integrated model of thriving that is relevant for coaching. It then reviews the history of psychological research into thriving and associated concepts and presents an overview of current models of thriving in psychology. Finally, the paper proposes an integrated model of coaching for thriving: the 4Es of energy, engagement, expansion and exploration. This model is intended to help coaches operationalise the psychological research on thriving as a focus for coaching psychology practice and research.