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Eutopiagraphies: Narratives of Preferred Future Selves with Implications for Developmental Coaching

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2010, Ph.D., Antioch University, Leadership and Change.
Eutopiagraphy is a narrative of a preferred future self that extends the research tradition of biography and autobiography. Taking place at the intersection of adult development, futures studies, and the practice of developmental coaching, this research asked the question, “what can eutopiagraphy reveal about a client’s meaning-making that may inform a coaching relationship, goals, and outcomes?” Using an adapted form of the subject-object interview, and subsequent thematic analysis, the eutopiagraphies of eight participants were collected and studied. Structures of constructive-developmental theory (values, view of others, range of perspective, control, and responsibility) were identified and constructive-developmental stages were estimated. This work extends the traditional subject-object protocol by using a narrative of a “to-be-lived” experience, rather than a “lived” experience, as the stimulus for revealing stages of meaning-making. Participants – estimated by the researcher to be at different developmental stages – identified differences in the potential use of a coach. Those at earlier stages, for instance, envisioned the need for a more prescriptive approach, while those at later stages anticipated less direction and more collaboration, in the nature of a trusted advisor. This work responds to the call for more research regarding familiar coaching practices (such as a discussion of a preferred future) and the application of adult developmental theory to the field of coaching. The potential application of adult developmental theory within the larger context of futures studies is addressed, shedding light on the different contributions to futures studies that may be made by individuals at different stages of development. Substantial connections were made to the mounting adaptive challenges of our complex world, the need for transformational leadership, and the possible use of developmental coaching as one way to address those challenges. The electronic version of this dissertation is at OhioLink ETC Center, www.ohiolink.edu/etd
Jon Wergin, PhD (Committee Chair)
Mitchell Kusy, PhD (Committee Member)
Clem Bezold, PhD (Committee Member)
James Dator, PhD (Other)
224 p.

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Citations

  • Diehl, F. A. (2010). Eutopiagraphies: Narratives of Preferred Future Selves with Implications for Developmental Coaching [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1277922552

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Diehl, Florence. Eutopiagraphies: Narratives of Preferred Future Selves with Implications for Developmental Coaching. 2010. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1277922552.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Diehl, Florence. "Eutopiagraphies: Narratives of Preferred Future Selves with Implications for Developmental Coaching." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1277922552

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)