IAC Positive Psychology in Coaching 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A coaching client struggles to maintain motivation between sessions. Which positive psychology strategy best supports sustained intrinsic motivation?
- Offering external rewards for completing tasks
- Connecting goals to the client's core values and sense of meaning (Correct answer)
- Increasing the frequency of coaching sessions
- Setting easier goals to guarantee success
Correct answer: Connecting goals to the client's core values and sense of meaning
Self-determination theory shows that intrinsic motivation is sustained when goals align with core values, autonomy, and a sense of meaning.
Question 2: What is the significance of the 'positivity ratio' debate in evidence-based coaching?
- It proves that a 3:1 positive-to-negative ratio is universally optimal for all clients
- It illustrates the importance of evaluating positive psychology claims critically, as the original ratio was later discredited (Correct answer)
- It shows that more positive experiences always lead to better coaching outcomes
- It establishes that negative emotions should be avoided in coaching conversations
Correct answer: It illustrates the importance of evaluating positive psychology claims critically, as the original ratio was later discredited
The positivity ratio controversy highlights why coaches must critically evaluate research claims, as Losada's mathematical model underlying the 3:1 ratio was later found to be flawed.
Question 3: In the context of IAC coaching, which outcome best reflects the integration of the 'Meaning' component of PERMA?
- The client earns a promotion at work
- The client identifies that their work contributes to something larger than themselves (Correct answer)
- The client feels happy during most of their waking hours
- The client achieves all goals set in the first session
Correct answer: The client identifies that their work contributes to something larger than themselves
PERMA's 'M' (Meaning) refers to belonging to and serving something larger than the self, which provides a deep sense of purpose beyond external achievements.
Question 4: A coach works with a client on post-traumatic growth. Which statement best describes this concept?
- Post-traumatic growth means the trauma had no lasting negative effects
- Post-traumatic growth refers to positive psychological changes experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances (Correct answer)
- Post-traumatic growth is the same as resilience
- Post-traumatic growth only occurs with professional therapy, not coaching
Correct answer: Post-traumatic growth refers to positive psychological changes experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances
Post-traumatic growth (Tedeschi & Calhoun) describes positive psychological transformation that can emerge from the struggle with major adversity, distinct from simply bouncing back.
Question 5: Which character strength from the VIA Classification is best demonstrated when a client persists toward goals despite obstacles and discouragement?
- Prudence
- Perseverance (Correct answer)
- Perspective
- Prudence
Correct answer: Perseverance
Perseverance (also called persistence or industry) in the VIA framework reflects the strength of finishing what one starts and overcoming obstacles with diligence.
Question 6: How does solution-focused coaching align with positive psychology principles?
- Both emphasize diagnosing the root causes of problems before taking action
- Both orient attention toward existing resources, exceptions, and desired futures rather than problem analysis (Correct answer)
- Solution-focused coaching contradicts positive psychology by avoiding emotions
- Both require the coach to assign homework based on the client's deficits
Correct answer: Both orient attention toward existing resources, exceptions, and desired futures rather than problem analysis
Solution-focused coaching and positive psychology share a future-orientation and focus on strengths, resources, and exceptions to problems rather than deficits.
Question 7: A client reports feeling 'stuck' and disengaged at work. Using the PERMA framework, which component is the coach most likely to explore first with this client?
- Achievement, by reviewing the client's goal attainment history
- Engagement, by exploring activities where the client experiences flow or deep absorption (Correct answer)
- Positive Emotions, by asking the client to list daily pleasures
- Relationships, by mapping the client's professional network
Correct answer: Engagement, by exploring activities where the client experiences flow or deep absorption
Disengagement at work is a direct indicator of low Engagement (the 'E' in PERMA), making it the most relevant dimension to explore when a client feels stuck and disengaged.
IAC Positive Psychology in Coaching 3
A coaching client struggles to maintain motivation between sessions.
Which positive psychology strategy best supports sustained intrinsic motivation?