Abstract
This study investigated the difference between coaches’ imagine-self (IS) and imagine-other (IO) empathy. In a survey study (N=242), it was found that coaches who perceived the client’s self-change as more important valued IO empathy more highly. In an experimental study (N=57), the authors manipulated coaches’ empathy strategies. The results revealed a positive effect of IO empathy (but not IS) on clients’ self-change and coaching satisfaction. The main implication is that coaches should prioritize IO empathy—focusing on the client’s perspective—over IS empathy, which involves projecting one’s own experiences.
Research Question
Does the coach’s use of imagine-self (IS) versus imagine-other (IO) empathy differentially impact client self-change and coaching satisfaction?
Relevance to Coaching
The research provides practical guidelines for coaching behavior, suggesting that active paraphrasing and a strict focus on the client’s internal world (rather than the coach’s own history) are crucial for coaching effectiveness.
Significance and Innovation
The study uniquely distinguishes between two types of cognitive empathy in a coaching context, providing empirical evidence that “imagine-other” (IO) is the superior strategy for supporting client self-change. It highlights the potential for training coaches specifically in perspective-taking skills.
Method and Data
The research utilized a two-study design:
A survey of 242 coaches examining their perceptions of empathy and self-change.
An experimental study with 57 clients, randomly assigned to receive coaching characterized by either IS or IO empathy, evaluated via pre- and post-coaching questionnaires.
Main Findings
Coaches who prioritize self-change in their clients report higher use of IO empathy. Clients who experienced IO-based empathy from their coaches reported significantly higher coaching satisfaction and experienced more positive self-change outcomes compared to those who experienced IS-based empathy.
APA:
Diller, S. J., Mühlberger, C., Löhlau, N., & Jonas, E. (2023). How to show empathy as a coach: The effects of coaches’ imagine-self versus imagine-other empathy on the client’s self-change and coaching outcome. Current Psychology, 42(14), 11917-11935.
Website:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-021-02430-y