Work

Case Formulation for Futures-Focused Coaching: An Adaptive Polarity Framework

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Leaders facing adaptive challenges must navigate competing demands and persistent tensions that resist resolution. Coaches increasingly integrate futures thinking to develop adaptive capacity, an orientation we term “futures-focused coaching,” yet case formulation frameworks for adaptive challenges are lacking. Through a personal construct analysis of 24 coaches, we identified three adaptive polarities: temporal (present-moment grounding ↔ future visioning, 75% of participants), systemic (individual agency ↔ systemic engagement, 67%), and strategic (responsive adaptation ↔ intentional direction, 58%). Building on Lane's case formulation approach, polarity management theory, and adaptive leadership frameworks, we develop pattern recognition criteria for formulating complex cases. Implications span coaching practice and case formulation.

Source: International journal of evidence based coaching and mentoring

DOI: 10.1177/17418305261460695

Authors: Roger Maitland, Brett Anderson-Terry, Pam Moore

Institution: Stellenbosch University

Language: English

Topic: Coaching Methods and Impact

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7165137023

FWCI:

Cites: 27

Cited by:

Related to: