Nature Embedded Coaching Theory (NECT): A Theory for Outdoor Coaching

Outdoor coaching is increasingly used in professional practice, but the field remains theoretically underdeveloped. This theory paper develops a theoretical model, Nature-Embedded Coaching Theory (NECT), by integrating environmental psychology, nature-based theory and the emerging outdoor coaching literature. NECT proposes that environmental affordances and person-context fit shape coaching through four pathways: restorative attentional shift, embodied regulation, relational dynamics, symbolic and narrative amplification. These pathways are theorised to influence alliance, metacognitive awareness, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, agency and self-efficacy, with implications for session and longer-term outcomes. The theory also specifies moderators and negative cases, including low fit, accessibility constraints, privacy concerns and sensory overload. NECT argues outdoor coaching is a contextually modified coaching rather than a separate practice. NECT offers a falsifiable framework for research and a practical basis for more intentional contracting and setting selection.

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