NLP Research Papers

Research into NLP continues to develop, with published work appearing in journals, academic dissertations, Masters and Doctoral research, conference papers and applied professional contexts.

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NLP Research Papers

Research into NLP continues to develop, with published work appearing in journals, academic dissertations, Masters and Doctoral research, conference papers, case studies and applied professional contexts.

This page brings together research papers and publications that either focus on NLP directly or make reference to NLP within their content.

Where possible, papers are grouped by theme to help you find the area most relevant to your interests.

If you have completed an NLP research paper as part of a Masters degree, Doctorate or other academic programme and would like us to consider including it on this page, please email us with the details.

Education

NLP has been explored in a range of educational contexts, including learning, teaching, motivation, examination success, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, teacher development and learner confidence.

Research and papers in this area include:

These papers are particularly relevant to visitors interested in NLP in schools, colleges, universities, teacher training, learner development and educational research.

 

Healthcare, Wellbeing and Therapeutic Contexts

Research in healthcare, wellbeing and therapeutic contexts is especially important because this is where questions of evidence, professional qualification, ethics and safeguarding are most significant.

Research and publications in this area include:

Organisational Development, Leadership and Business

NLP is also used in organisational and business contexts, where research may focus on communication, leadership, values, influence, workplace relationships, culture and professional development.

Research and papers in this area include:

These papers may be of interest to leaders, consultants, trainers, HR professionals, coaches and organisational development practitioners.

Personal Development and Positive Psychology

NLP is often applied in personal development, coaching, wellbeing and self-awareness contexts. Research in this area may explore confidence, self-esteem, subjective wellbeing, behaviour change and personal growth.

Research and papers in this area include:

This theme is relevant to people interested in NLP for personal growth, coaching, confidence, wellbeing and applied positive psychology.

General NLP Research and Related Publications

This section includes broader research, academic discussion and related papers that refer to NLP or explore areas connected with NLP practice, communication, perception, learning or human behaviour.

Papers and resources include:

Dr Paul Tosey, ANLP member and former editor of Current Research in NLP, has published a number of articles relating to NLP. Further publications can be accessed through his University of Surrey profile.

Current Research in NLP Journal

ANLP published the first NLP Research Journal in 2009, launched at the House of Commons in January 2010.

The journal, Current Research in NLP, brought together research, academic discussion and applied inquiry in the field of NLP.

Copies of the journal are available in PDF and printed format.

Other Relevant Resources

Some publications are not NLP research papers in themselves, but may be relevant to ideas commonly explored in NLP.

For example, New Scientist published an article in October 2011 titled Your clever body: Thinking from head to toe, which relates to the NLP presupposition that mind and body form a linked system.

Copyright prevents ANLP from publishing the content directly, but subscribers can access the article through the New Scientist website.

NLP Wiki

In recent years, a number of NLP trainers have worked collaboratively to create an alternative source of NLP-related information and research content.

NLP Wiki includes articles, references and research-based material that may be useful for those interested in exploring NLP in more depth.

Submitting Research for Consideration

If you have completed an NLP research paper as part of a Masters degree, Doctorate or other academic programme, and would like ANLP to consider including it on this page, please email us with:

  • the title of the paper
  • author name
  • institution or awarding body
  • date of completion or publication
  • abstract or summary
  • link or access details, where available
  • confirmation of whether the paper may be publicly shared or referenced

Please note that inclusion on this page does not necessarily imply endorsement of the paper’s conclusions. This page is intended as a signposting resource for people interested in NLP research and evidence.

In summary

NLP research is developing across education, healthcare, wellbeing, organisational development, personal development and wider applied contexts.

Different research questions require different forms of evidence. Clinical and therapeutic applications require particular care and appropriate research standards, while education, business, organisational development and personal development may also draw on case studies, applied research, practice-based evidence and academic inquiry.

ANLP, the gold standard Independent Professional Body for NLP, supports responsible research, transparent discussion and continued development of the evidence base for NLP.