Rethinking directiveness in AI coaching chatbots

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1822088/full

Publish Date: 2026-06-23 06:40:00

Here’s a concise summary of the article using an unordered list:

* The study investigates user preferences for directive vs. non-directive coaching styles in AI-powered coaching chatbots by comparing two chatbots—one directive and one non-directive.
* The between-subjects quasi-experiment measured technology adoption, working alliance, goal attainment, and personality traits across 158 millennial participants.
* Results showed a higher preference for the directive chatbot regarding technology performance expectancy, working alliance, and goal attainment, challenging the dominant coaching paradigm favoring non-directive styles.
* Participants with high extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience rated the directive chatbot higher.
* The findings suggest Gen AI coaching chatbots for workplace use should incorporate directive features, tailored to coachee personality traits, rather than exclusively adopting a non-directive approach.
* The study contributes to the knowledge of AI coaching design and the debate over directive versus non-directive coaching styles.
* The results offer insights for developers of AI coaching chatbots to create more effective and personalized coaching interventions.

This summarizes the major points regarding the study’s objectives, methodology, findings, and implications, covering between 5-7 key takeaways. Let me know if you require any clarification or additional details.