The impact of power posing on self-efficacy and dispositional optimism in horse-assisted coaching

ABSTRACT

Although both power posing and equine-assisted coaching have received growing attention in recent years and accordingly attract more research, intensive scientific debate is still young. This study investigates the impact of power posing and inner images in terms of imagination on self-efficacy in the setting of horse-assisted coaching using a quasi-experimental test design with repeated measures. Participants (N = 149), aged between 16 and 78 years (M = 29.38, SD = 13.12, 80% female), belonged either to the intervention group (N = 62) or the control group (N = 87). Intervention group subjects received a horse-assisted coaching with power posing exercises. Self-efficacy was measured two times by using the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale and dispositional optimism was assessed using the revised version of the Life Orientation Test. Results show a highly significant increase in self-efficacy and dispositional optimism through a horse-assisted coaching with power posing exercises. The change in the self-efficacy represents a strong effect. Gender and horse experience of the subjects (intervention group) did not significantly influence the change of the selfefficacy between the measuring points. Long-term effects and the different factors of action in equine-assisted coaching, which has hardly been researched so far, as well as gender- and age-specific differences should be examined more closely in follow-up studies.

Implications for practitioners statement

1. The findings of the study support the use of power posing exercises and inner images in horse-assisted coaching practice.

2. Horse-assisted coaching can demonstrably empower clients using the exercises presented in the study, given that it is carried out by coaches with a professional background.

3. Horse-assisted coaching has the potential to enable clients to develop their self-efficacy and dispositional optimism.

KEYWORDS:

• Horse-assisted coaching
• power posing
• self-efficacy
• inner images
• dispositional optimism

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and our ethical obligation as a researcher, we are reporting that one of the two authors works as a horse-assisted coach. We have disclosed those interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and we have in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from this.

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Sophia Brämig

Sophia Brämig is a lecturer in scientific work and research methods and a mentor for research projects at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf, Germany (since 2020). At Ruhr-Universität Bochum, she studies clinical psychology with a focus on Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM). Further research interests include the embodied cognition approach and psychological aspects of mindfulness.

Kathrin Schütz

Kathrin Schütz is professor of business psychology at Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf and Cologne, Germany (since 2018) and works as a horse-assisted coach. She received her doctoral degree in Psychology in 2015 from the Johannes-Gutenberg University in Mainz (Germany). Her research interests are around the question on how horses can have a positive impact on humans and how well-being can be supported by positive psychology. Her current research interests include psychological aspects in equestrians.