Ricerche SCP Italy in corso
In questa pagina puoi trovare i riferimenti delle ricerche in corso:
AI Research Stream
ReflectAI and the Reflective Coach: Evolving Coaching Relationships through Generative AI
LA PRATICA RIFLESSIVA INCONTRA L’INTELLIGENZA ARTIFICIALE
Maria Rita Fiasco, Roberto Gilli, Angela Di Rienzo e Silvana Dini
Abstract
In continuity with the previous phases of our research on the integration of generative AI into reflective practice, this year’s contribution from SCP Italy to the ISCP AI Research Stream presents the evolution of the ReflectAI project and its implications for the quality of coaching relationships.
Initially developed as the Coaching Psychologist Bot (CPBot1), ReflectAI has since evolved into a broader concept: a family of generative AI applications designed for different professional roles — coaches, supervisors, coachees, and trainers — all sharing a common purpose: training metacognition as a key to continuous learning and growth.
Building on the initial experimentation, this year’s research highlights include:
- Continued adoption within the Master in Business Coaching Psychology, with a larger cohort of trainee coaches using ReflectAI to support structured post-session reflection;
- An expanding group of professional coaches (approx. 20) who joined the experimentation following the June 2025 public webinar, “Reflective Practice Meets Artificial Intelligence”, which also inspired a published article;
- The piloting of a supervisory version, supporting deeper self-inquiry in supervisory relationships;
- The launch of a pilot for coachees, supporting post-session awareness and integration of learning;
- The extension of the experimentation to a Corporate Coaching Academy within a large telecommunications company, thus enabling the involvement of a broader and more diverse group of professional and internal corporate coaches.
These developments enrich our understanding of how AI can support metacognitive reflection and prompt new research questions about how the coaching relationship evolves when AI mediates reflective practice. ReflectAI is not just a tool — it is a cognitive partner that activates critical thinking, linguistic precision, and deep learning from experience. From our ongoing experience, it also challenges coaches to cultivate a growth mindset, encouraging them to move beyond their comfort zones in engaging with technology as a reflective ally.
Ecopsychology Research Stream
Exploring the Effects of Walk-and-Talk Coaching: A Comparative Study on Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Outcomes
Liana Catani, Angela Di Rienzo, Francesco Giustiniani, Silvana Dini
Abstract
The study presents the preliminary results of a research project conducted by SCP Italy, which compares the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects of Walk-and-Talk Coaching with those of traditional Sit-and-Talk Coaching.
Building on a pilot study that validated the measurement instruments and ethical procedures, the current study explores how these two coaching methodologies affect coachees across specific psychological and behavioral dimensions. The research protocol includes standardized assessment tools, a comprehensive information and communication kit for coach, and a structured framework developed to ensure adherence to ethical standards.
The primary aim is to evaluate whether Walk-and-Talk Coaching, conducted in natural outdoor environments (green space), enhances coachees’ well-being, vitality, and aspects of creative thinking compared to conventional indoor sessions. The hypothesis is that walking in green spaces during coaching enhances subjective well-being and vitality. Preliminary findings and potential implications for coaching practices will be discussed.
Coach Self-Efficacy Research Stream
Testing the Self-Efficacy Coaching Model: Do supervision and the coach’s experience matter?
Diana Aguiar Vieira*, Angela Di Rienzo, Silvia Ramirez Pizarro, Francesca Quintiliani, Silvana Dini
* ISCAP, CEOS.PP, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal
Abstract
Over the past few decades, we have witnessed the worldwide proliferation of coaching. Despite the growing number of coaching professionals, research into their psychological profiles has been sparse, and self-efficacy is no exception. According to Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and related research, stronger self-efficacy beliefs in a particular area are associated with improved performance in the same domain of human action. The Self-Efficacy Coaching Model posits that supervision and coaching experience contribute to coaches’ enhanced self-efficacy, thereby improving the quality of their practice. This study aims to analyse the extent to which supervision and years of coaching experience influence coaches’ beliefs in their coaching skills. To this end, an online survey was completed by 139 Italian professional coaches (77% female). The age range of the participants was from 31 to over 50 years old, and their professional coaching experience varied from one to 26 years. All participants completed the Coaching Skills Self-Efficacy Scale (CSSES-IT) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), controlling for gender and age, revealed that years of professional experience have a significant impact on coaches’ self-efficacy in coaching, but on general self-efficacy. These findings provide further support for the Self-Efficacy Coaching Model. However, supervision had no effect on self-efficacy. One possible explanation for this unexpected result is that the procedure used in this study to evaluate coaching supervision was too restrictive. Implications for practice and future research are presented.