Fostering ego development through group coaching in a postgraduate program

Abstract

ObjectivesLiterature review evidences several studies on structured programs to promote ego development, but none use a group coaching approach although impact factors and effectiveness of group coaching appear well-suited to potentially foster ego development. This study aims to address the void by examining effects of a group coaching program (that also includes peer coaching) on ego development in a postgraduate program of a German University.DesignWe conducted an intervention study that is based on ego development theory, the (cognitive-) developmental approach to coaching, and a theory-based conceptual framework to ego development. We applied different coaching tools in the program that addressed ego stage-specific development issues, e.g. reflection and development of multiplicity of self-concepts, and underlying beliefs and meaning systems.MethodsThe program consisted of twenty-nine participants who self-selected and were drafted via lottery. The coaching program extended over ten weeks. Ego development was assessed using the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (WUSCT) eight weeks before the coaching program (pretest) and again ten weeks after it began (posttest). Pairwise t-tests were applied to test whether the mean values of ego stage are different at pretest and posttest.ResultsFindings suggest that the group coaching program fostered ego development. Compared to pretest ego level was significantly higher at posttest. The program was more effective for participants at the self-aware ego stage than for coachees at the conscientious ego stage at pretest.ConclusionsThe findings provide empirical support that group coaching can promote ego development in adults. In addition to the specific design and the impact factors of group and peer coaching on ego development we consider the relationship with the coachees and the creation of a trusting and shame-free space important impact factors. Considering the high demand for the program from the post-graduate students, group coaching for advancement of ego development should be considered as an important part of the curriculum. More research is needed and should include larger sample size, a control group, and should control for factors such as coaching setting or role of coach.