A pilot study evaluating strengths-based coaching for primary school students : enhancing engagement and hope

Objective: This pilot study examines the impact of an evidence-based strengths coaching programme on male primary school students’ levels of engagement and hope. Design: In a within-subject design study, 38 Year Five male students (mean age 10.7 years) participated in a strengths-based coaching programme as part of their Personal Development/Health programme at an independent, private primary school in Sydney, Australia. Method: Participants were randomly allocated to groups of four or five with each group receiving eight coaching sessions over two school terms. The Youth Values in Action survey was used to highlight participant’s character strengths, and the participants were coached in identifying personally meaningful goals, and in being persistent in their goal-striving, as well as finding novel ways to use their signature strengths. They also completed a ‘Letter from the future’ that involved writing about themselves at their best. Results: The strengths-based coaching pilot programme was associated with significant increases in the students’ self-reported levels of engagement and hope. Conclusions: Strengths-based coaching programmes may be considered as potential mental health prevention and promotion intervention in a primary school setting to increase students’ wellbeing and may also form an important part of an overall Positive Education Programme