Solution-focused scaling questions: time taken, words written, expectancy and commitment.

Abdulla, Adam

Abstract

Scaling questions are arguably the most commonly asked questions in solution-focused coaching. However, hardly any experimental research has isolated these questions. Moreover, most studies of solution-focused questions involve students only and no studies have examined whether gender is a moderator. The present study addressed these deficiencies. In two survey experiments English-speaking adults around the world (Total N = 628) were randomly assigned either to a scaling/solution-focused condition or to a binary/problem-focused condition. Participants were asked to identify a 'problem' area in their lives. Dependent variables included expectancy (the extent to which individuals expect to have more success), commitment (the extent to which individuals are committed to having more success), time taken and number of words written. Participants responding to written scaling/solution-focused questions spent more time and wrote more words than participants responding to binary/problem-focused questions. Experiment 1 suggested that scaling questions have a positive effect on expectancy in males (but not females). However, Experiment 2 yielded little evidence of any such effect. Age was negatively associated with expectancy. Expectancy was positively associated with commitment. Solution-focused scaling questions may elicit more engagement than problem-focused/binary questions. However, they apparently have little immediate effect on expectancy and commitment, although responses do predict expectations of future success. Older individuals apparently have lower expectations of success than younger individuals. Scaling questions may be useful in encouraging individuals to think, eliciting more detailed responses and predicting expectancy of success. However, coaching psychologists should not rely on scaling questions to enhance expectancy (or commitment) in the short term. Older coaches may need to develop expectancy in order to experience (goal) commitment.

Citation

ABDULLA, A. 2024. Solution-focused scaling questions: time taken, words written, expectancy and commitment. International journal of coaching psychology [online], 5, article number 3. Available from: https://ijcp.nationalwellbeingservice.com/volumes/volume-5-2024/volume-5-article-3/

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 4, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 11, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Mar 5, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 5, 2024
• Journal: International journal of coaching psychology
• Electronic ISSN: 2634-7946
• Publisher: National Wellbeing Service
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Article Number: 3
• Keywords: Coaching psychologists; Solution-focused coaching; Gender
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2261610
• Publisher URL: https://ijcp.nationalwellbeingservice.com/volumes/volume-5-2024/volume-5-article-3/