The Effect of a Self-Development Coaching Program on the Psychological Health and Academic Performance among Dental and Medical Students in Saudi Arabia

"How to Be an Ultra Super Student" is a self-development coaching program developed and has been run by a self-development coach and trainer since 2008. The contents were derived from the coach personal experiences and from reading and practicing self-development for years. The content was not validated neither formed according to evidence-based resources in 2008. Nevertheless, the program has been under the coach continues adjustments using coachees’ feedback. The program aims mainly to improve students' academic performance and improve their psychological health. The program is not using psychological therapeutic approaches, but rather uses series of skills and conceptual ideas about studying and coping with challenges during the academic journey, so participants can use them if they want. The program is delivered as live course in a large lecture theatre at students’ free time where participants are supplied by each program's booklet and the program's audio CD. The program modules are: (1) Unleash your inner power: where information about self-efficacy and goals in life are discussed. (2) Manage your time effectively: different models and tips to utilize studying time efficiently. (3) The maximum usefulness of universities' lecture: different solutions to increase lecture time efficiency. (4) How to study and memorize effectively: skills with exercise to memorize better. (5) Dealing with exams: practical tips to deal with exams' time. (6) Religious teaches: Islamic teaches augment the previous skills and values in the Saudi religious cultural. The CD content: (1) 24 study-motivation audio files. (2) Short version of muscle relaxation and positive messages. (3) Long version of muscle relaxation and positive messages. The program's way of conduction are: motivational voice tone and body language, success and Islamic stories (Parable), famous people and Islamic quotes (Metaphor), recontextualized ideal, personification of some values, showing movie clips, direct interacting with audience, and give coachee the freedom to choose among program’s techniques that suits him/her. The program is conducted over 2 days, 5 hours/day.