The Effect of Positive Psychology-Based Cognitive Behavioral Coaching on Adult Well-being and Narrative Reconstruction: A Single Case Study

Office workers in modern society tend to perceive their lives negatively amidst chronic stress and emotional exhaustion. This study aimed to microscopically explore and clarify the effects and the process of change on the psychological well-being of an adult participant through an intervention integrating the Positive Psychology’s PERMA model and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching (CBC). To this end, a qualitative single-case study was conducted on a non-clinical woman in her 30s complaining of repetitive job stress, emotional burnout, and low self-efficacy. A total of six sessions of structured coaching were conducted over a period of approximately six weeks. Data were collected via pre- and post-test Korean version of the Flourishing Scale (K-PERMA) surveys, transcripts of coaching sessions, self-reflection journals, and semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed following the thematic analysis procedure. The results indicated that scores on all sub-factors of PERMA increased after coaching, with the most significant improvements observed in the Meaning (M) and Accomplishment (A) domains. In addition, the qualitative analysis yielded five core themes: (1) Deepening of self-awareness and emotional clarification, (2) Recognition of automatic thoughts and cognitive restructuring, (3) Reconstruction of positive narratives, (4) Rediscovery of well-being elements in daily life, and (5) Reinforcement of motivation for action through integrated growth. Analysis revealed that as the coaching sessions progressed, the participant shifted from a ‘problem-centered’ narrative to an active ‘agent of growth.’ Through the research process, the participant’s belief system based on low self-efficacy was successfully reconstructed into a growth narrative of “I am growing.” These findings suggest that Positive Psychology-based Cognitive Behavioral Coaching can positively contribute to enhancing participants’ well-being and provide a theoretical foundation and practical possibilities for a well-being-centered coaching model applicable in the coaching field.