Can a Solution-Focused Coaching Approach Go Beyond the Ocean and Campus? Comparing Solution and Problem-Focused Approaches for Japanese Students and Business People

Abstract

Previous studies comparing solution- and problem-focused coaching approaches have revealed that solution-focused approaches are consistently superior to problem-focused approaches. However, these studies were conducted in Australia and Europe, and all the participants have been students. Little is known about whether a solution-focused approach is more effective than a problem-focused approach even in other areas, particularly Asia. Moreover, investigating whether a solution-focused approach is more effective than a problem-focused approach even for other groups, especially businesspersons, is necessary. This study compares the relative impact of solution-focused questions with problem-focused questions on Japanese university students and businesspersons. In Study 1, 118 Japanese university students participated, and 36 Japanese company employees participated in Study 2. Before and after answering the questions, they completed a set of measures to assess self-efficacy, understanding of the problem, and positive and negative affect. In Study 1, the solution-focused approach was more effective in increasing self-efficacy and lessening negative affect. The problem-focused approach reduced the positive affect. In Study 2, the solution-focused approach was superior in terms of promoting self-efficacy and decreasing negative affect. This study provides empirical support for the effectiveness of a solution-focused approach for Japanese students and employees.