Kristina Naumenko, Jost Steinhäuser, Frank Niebuhr & Katja Goetz (2020). Short report: coaching as an intervention to treat mild form of fear of flying. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2020.1856391

Universität zu Lübeck

Abstract

Fear of flying can lead to restrictions in private but also in professional life. Different treatment approaches are available to handle fear of flying. Of these, coaching could be one possible treatment method. However, evidence is rare and the aim of this study was to evaluate descriptive effect of wingwave® coaching on a mild form of fear of flying. Coaching was delivered twice before the first flight and once after the first flight. The interventions were conducted between December 2016 and May 2017. Four people with fear of flying participated in the study. As measurement tools, satisfaction with life scale and ‘Fear of Flying Scale’ (FFS) were used at each of the measurement points. The measurement of fear of flying using the FFS measures showed a reduction in all four individuals. The participants also revealed a benefit in the sub-scales Anticipation, Flying and Turbulence. Our study indicates a positive impact of wingwave® coaching on dealing with a mild form of fear of flying.