The role of coaching psychology in addressing occupational/personal identity confusion in young adults aged 23–35 years in Israeli society. PhD thesis, Middlesex University.
INTRODUCTION
In an era where career choices increasingly influence personal identity, young adults in Israel face unique challenges that blend occupational decisions with deeper self-concept questions. A recent study by A. Friedman at Middlesex University delves into how Career Coaching Psychology (CCP) can be crucial in navigating these complex waters.
The Study The research focused on individuals aged 23-35, exploring the impact of CCP on their occupational and personal identity confusion. Over eighteen months and five hundred coaching hours, 17 participants engaged with CCP, revealing insights about their career paths and individual aspirations.
METHODOLOGY
The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data to comprehensively understand the issue.
Quantitative Phase
Participants: 17 young adults aged 23-35 individuals who had undergone coaching were selected for in-depth interviews, and 500 hours of CP were surveyed.
Instruments: The survey included standardized questionnaires measuring levels of identity confusion and the perceived effectiveness of coaching interventions.
Procedure: Semi-structured interviews were conducted, focusing on participants' experiences with coaching, changes in their identity perception, and the specific elements of coaching they found most beneficial.
Analysis: Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and insights from the interviews.
RESULTS
Outcomes of Career Coaching Psychology
Reduction in Identity Confusion: 75% of participants reported a marked decrease in their identity confusion scores.
Increased Self-Awareness: Participants reported a significant increase in self-awareness regarding their values and how these align with their career choices. CCP helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of their values, strengths, and weaknesses. This awareness is critical in enabling them to identify careers that not only suit their skills but also align with their values, enhancing both job satisfaction and personal well-being. This awareness was crucial in reshaping their career paths to better fit their identities.
Alignment of Career and Identity: Coaching led to a clearer alignment between the participants' careers and their identities. This alignment often resulted in greater job satisfaction and a reduction in the stress associated with identity-role conflicts. Participants often enter coaching with vague or conflicted goals. Coaching provides the tools to articulate and refine these goals, making them more specific and aligned with their identities.
Enhanced Decision-Making Skills: CCP equipped participants with improved decision-making skills, enabling them to make more informed and confident career choices that reflect their true selves. Development of Coping Mechanisms: The study also highlighted how participants developed coping mechanisms to deal with discrepancies between their current job roles and their ideal career paths.
Improved Self-Efficacy and Career Resilience: By understanding their personal and professional identity better, participants develop resilience against the challenges of their career paths. They learn to navigate setbacks and changes more effectively, maintaining their commitment to their chosen career over time.
Increased Adaptability: As the labour market evolves, adaptability becomes increasingly important. Coaching empowers individuals to be more adaptable in their careers by fostering a mindset that is open to learning and change.
Goal Achievement: There was a notable increase in the number of participants who reported achieving their personal and professional goals.
Personalized Strategies: Tailored coaching strategies were highly valued, as they addressed individual needs and circumstances, making the interventions more effective.
DISCUSSION
The findings highlight the effectiveness of coaching psychology in addressing identity confusion among young adults. The reduction in identity confusion and the improvements in self-efficacy and goal achievement suggest that coaching can play a crucial role in personal and professional development.
· Theoretical Implications: The study supports the application of coaching psychology theories in real-world settings, demonstrating their practical relevance and effectiveness.
· Practical Implications: For practitioners, the research underscores the importance of personalized coaching approaches that consider individual differences and unique challenges faced by young adults.
· Societal Implications: Addressing identity confusion through coaching can have broader societal benefits, including increased workforce productivity and reduced mental health issues related to identity crises.
RECOMMENDATIONS
· Adaptation of CCP Methodologies: To maximize impact, CCP methodologies should be adapted to cater to various demographic groups, considering different cultural, economic, and social contexts.
· Integration into Public and Governmental Initiatives: The study recommends the integration of CCP into public and governmental career development programs. This could help bridge the gap between standard career guidance and the nuanced needs of young adults.
· Ongoing Support and Development: Establishing ongoing support systems and development programs can ensure that the benefits of CCP are sustained over time, helping individuals as they transition through different life stages.
· Promotion of CCP in Educational Institutions: Introducing CCP concepts at the educational level could prepare young adults earlier for the complexities of modern career paths, promoting better alignment from the outset.
· Tailored Coaching Approaches: Given the diversity in individual backgrounds and needs, CCP should be tailored to meet the specific cultural, economic, and personal contexts of different groups. This customization ensures that the coaching is relevant and effective.
· Long-term Support Systems: Establishing long-term support and follow-up systems within CCP can help individuals maintain the gains from coaching. This could include continuous learning modules or periodic coaching sessions to help individuals adapt as their careers progress and their identities evolve.
FUTURE RESEARCH
The thesis suggests several avenues for future research:
Longitudinal Studies: To assess the long-term impact of coaching on identity development.
Diverse Populations: Exploring the effectiveness of coaching across different cultural and demographic groups.
Comparative Studies: Comparing the impact of coaching with other interventions, such as therapy or mentoring, on identity confusion.
Conclusion
My research provides robust evidence for the role of coaching psychology in helping young adults navigate identity confusion. The mixed-methods approach offers a comprehensive understanding of how coaching interventions can enhance self-awareness, goal-setting abilities, and emotional resilience. This study not only contributes to the academic field of coaching psychology but also offers practical insights for coaches and mental health professionals working with young adults
The study suggests adapting CCP methodologies to cater to diverse groups, emphasizing the importance of public and governmental support in promoting these practices.
You can access the full thesis here for more detailed information.
Commenti