IAC Positive Psychology in Coaching 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In positive psychology coaching, what does the PERMA model's 'R' (Relationships) component emphasize?
- Reducing conflicts in professional settings
- Cultivating positive and supportive connections with others (Correct answer)
- Maintaining professional boundaries at all times
- Reviewing past relationship patterns
Correct answer: Cultivating positive and supportive connections with others
The 'R' in PERMA stands for Relationships, emphasizing the importance of cultivating positive, supportive social connections for well-being.
Question 2: A client consistently focuses on worst-case scenarios. Which positive psychology technique would a coach most appropriately use?
- Cognitive reframing to identify more balanced perspectives (Correct answer)
- Telling the client to simply think positive thoughts
- Avoiding discussion of negative scenarios entirely
- Prescribing gratitude journaling as the primary intervention
Correct answer: Cognitive reframing to identify more balanced perspectives
Cognitive reframing helps clients identify more balanced, realistic perspectives rather than eliminating negative thinking or forcing positivity.
Question 3: What distinguishes 'flourishing' from 'languishing' in Corey Keyes' mental health continuum?
- Flourishing means absence of mental illness; languishing means presence of illness
- Flourishing involves high well-being and positive functioning; languishing is low well-being without illness (Correct answer)
- Flourishing is measured solely by happiness scores
- Languishing always requires clinical intervention
Correct answer: Flourishing involves high well-being and positive functioning; languishing is low well-being without illness
Keyes' continuum shows flourishing as high positive functioning and well-being, while languishing is a state of low well-being that is not classified as mental illness.
Question 4: A coach uses the 'Best Possible Self' exercise with a client. What is the primary purpose of this intervention?
- To identify the client's past successes
- To help the client envision and connect with their ideal future self (Correct answer)
- To compare the client with high achievers
- To set SMART goals for the next quarter
Correct answer: To help the client envision and connect with their ideal future self
The Best Possible Self exercise asks clients to vividly imagine their ideal future, boosting optimism, positive affect, and motivation.
Question 5: Which concept from Barbara Fredrickson's research is most directly relevant to helping coaching clients expand their thinking and build resources?
- Loss aversion bias
- Broaden-and-build theory (Correct answer)
- Negativity dominance
- Fixed mindset orientation
Correct answer: Broaden-and-build theory
Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory holds that positive emotions widen cognitive scope and help people build lasting personal resources.
Question 6: A client says, 'I'm great at public speaking but terrible at everything else.' Which positive psychology lens should the coach primarily apply?
- Challenge the client's self-assessment as unrealistic
- Use a strengths-based approach to identify and build on the public speaking talent (Correct answer)
- Focus on diagnosing what causes the client to underperform elsewhere
- Reassure the client that their weaknesses don't matter
Correct answer: Use a strengths-based approach to identify and build on the public speaking talent
A strengths-based approach directs attention to identified strengths as a foundation for growth rather than focusing primarily on deficit areas.
Question 7: How does 'psychological capital' (PsyCap) differ from traditional human capital in a coaching context?
- PsyCap focuses on knowledge and skills; human capital focuses on mindset
- PsyCap encompasses hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism; human capital refers to knowledge and skills (Correct answer)
- PsyCap is fixed at birth; human capital can be developed
- PsyCap is only relevant for executive coaching clients
Correct answer: PsyCap encompasses hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism; human capital refers to knowledge and skills
Psychological capital (PsyCap) comprises hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism—developable positive states distinct from knowledge-based human capital.
IAC Positive Psychology in Coaching 2
In positive psychology coaching, what does the PERMA model's 'R' (Relationships) component emphasize?