Awareness of Professional Coaching Grows in Europe

LEXINGTON, Ky., June 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - New research from the International Coach Federation (ICF) shows that European consumers' awareness of professional Business and Life Coaching has increased by six percentage points from 2010 to the present. This increase comes despite tough economic times that have forced individuals and organizations to decrease spending on personal and professional development.

Commissioned by the ICF and conducted by the International Survey Unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the 2014 ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study was designed to ascertain awareness of the coaching profession and of ICF and to gain insight both from those who are aware of the coaching profession and/or the ICF and those who are not. Available in 16 languages, the survey forming the basis of the study was administered to 18,810 individuals representing the 25 countries (14 in Europe) with the highest populations of ICF Members. Seventeen countries included in the 2014 study (eight in Europe) were also part of ICF's benchmarking 2010 research.

Among European countries included in both studies, awareness of coaching rose from 45 percent in 2010 to 51 percent in 2014. For respondents who had participated in a coaching relationship, satisfaction increased by four percentage points, from 76% to 80%.

"Professional coaching empowers individuals and organizations to face challenges with confidence," said ICF CEO/Executive Director Magdalena Mook. "European consumers' increasing awareness of and satisfaction with coaching reinforces this knowledge and affirms coaching as a worthwhile investment, as opposed to discretionary spending."

Information about the 2014 Global Consumer Awareness Study, including data tables and a link to purchase the executive summary, can be found at Coachfederation.org/consumerstudy2014. The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with more than 19,000 members and 13,000 credentialed coaches in more than 100 countries worldwide. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. For more information, please visit our website at www.coachfederation.org.

CONTACT: ICF HEADQUARTERSAbby Tripp Heverinphone +1.859.219.3529e-mail: Abby.heverin@coachfederation.org