In coaching terminology, what does "sustain talk" refer to?

In coaching terminology, "sustain talk" refers to the reasons or arguments that individuals articulate for maintaining their current behaviors or states, rather than pursuing change. This concept is crucial in understanding the dynamics of motivational interviewing and behavior change processes.

When individuals engage in sustain talk, they may express their justifications for not making a change, such as emphasizing the benefits of their current situation or the perceived drawbacks of changing. This type of discourse reflects a reluctance to move forward and can indicate ambivalence about change, which is a natural phase in the process of behavior modification.

Understanding sustain talk is vital for coaches as it helps them identify the barriers their clients may face in the change process. It allows coaches to explore these thoughts further, helping clients navigate their ambivalence and possibly fostering a more open discussion about their desires and motivations for change. Through this process, coaches can facilitate a shift from sustain talk to change talk, which expresses desires, needs, and readiness to alter behaviors.

Other concepts, such as the desire to change, commitment to action, or evaluation of progress, while relevant within the coaching framework, do not capture the essence of sustain talk, which specifically focuses on the articulations that support maintaining the status quo.