TY  - JOUR
TI  - Designing AI coaches: a scoping review
AU  - Sipondo, A.
AU  - Terblanche, N.
AB  - This scoping review examines the design and effectiveness of AI coaching chatbots in light of recent advances in generative artificial intelligence. Following the emergence of large language models in 2022–2023, AI coaching has gained traction as a scalable and cost-effective intervention, yet evidence guiding effective design remains limited. Using a five-stage PRISMA-ScR methodology, 17 empirical studies were analysed through thematic synthesis. Three overarching themes emerged: chatbot design considerations, determinants of adoption, and the operationalisation of AI coaching. Findings indicate that generative AI enhances interaction quality, usability, and engagement, particularly for structured tasks such as goal setting, reflection, feedback, and intersessional support. However, limitations in relational depth, cultural sensitivity, and psychological nuance persist, positioning AI coaches as complementary rather than substitutive to human coaching.
IS  - 1
JO  - Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Family Practice 
PY  - 2026
UR  - www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17521882.2026.2640932
VL  - 19
LA  - English
ER  -