Presentation Positive Psychology–Based Custom GPT Coaching for English Learning and Well-Being: A Qualitative Pilot with Japanese University EFL Students more

This qualitative pilot study examines a researcher-developed custom GPT, the “English & Well-Being Coach,” designed to extend positive psychology learning beyond class for Japanese university EFL students. Grounded in Seligman’s PERMA framework (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment), the coach prompts weekly reflection on one PERMA element and responds in CEFR A2–B1 English with brief, empathetic mentor-style guidance (validation, strengths-focused reframing, follow-up questions, and encouragement), ending with a short summary and targeted English feedback. The study aims to increase students’ everyday exposure to PERMA concepts for reframing school/life challenges while providing low-stakes opportunities for meaningful English self-expression. Over a five-week cycle (P–E–R–M–A), participants completed one coaching chat per week and provided transcripts of their conversations. Additional data include a pre-survey on prior AI use/expectations and a post-survey on perceived effectiveness and areas for improvement. The presentation reports students’ perceptions of coaching support, the role of PERMA prompts in shaping reflection, and the perceived usefulness of end-of-chat language feedback, with implications for future CALL research.