Coaching with self-determination in mind: Using theory to advance evidence-based coaching practice

• Main Authors: Gordon B. Spence, Lindsay G. Oades
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Brookes University 2011-08-01
• Series: International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring
• Subjects: Coaching Practice; Self-Determination Theory; Psychological Needs
• Online Access: https://radar.brookes.ac.uk/radar/file/59c36762-42b9-432e-b070-04c193b48f71/1/vol09issue2-paper-03.pdf

The scholarly coaching literature has advanced considerably in the past decade. However, a review of the existing knowledge base suggests that coaching practice and research remains relatively uninformed by relevant psychological theory. In this paper it will be argued that Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985) presents as a useful theoretical framework for coaching as it can help understand coaching practice at both macro and micro levels. The utility of SDT as a theoretical framework for coaching is explored, with particular attention given to the role that coaching would appear to play in the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. It is also argued that SDT provides a useful set of propositions that can guide empirical work and ground it in the firm foundations of a theoretically coherent, empirically valid account of human functioning and wellbeing. Suggestions are made for future directions in research informed by SDT.