Concepts from behavioral theories can guide clinicians in coaching for behavior change

Authors

Megan Knutson Sinaise, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1010 Mound Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
Abigail Tran, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Heather M. Johnson, Clinical Affiliate Associate Professor, Christine E. Lynn Women's Health & Wellness Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital; Baptist Health South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, 690 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486.
Lisa Sullivan Vedder, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Kara K. Hoppe, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1010 Mound Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
Diane Lauver, School of Nursing & School of Medicine and Public Health University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. Electronic address: drlauver@wisc.edu.

Recommended Citation

Sinaise MK, Tran A, Johnson HM, Vedder LS, Hoppe KK, Lauver D. Concepts from behavioral theories can guide clinicians in coaching for behavior change. Patient Educ Couns. 2023;106:188-193. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2022.10.013

Affiliations

Advocate Aurora University of Wisconsin Group, Aurora Sinai Medical Center

Abstract

Objectives: Many patients do not engage in health behaviors that can control common, chronic illnesses. Clinicians have opportunities to promote health behaviors yet may lack skills for coaching effectively about health behaviors. Our aims are to: present definitions of coaching, propose concepts for coaching about behavior change from two theories, share theory-guided research on behavior change relevant to ambulatory care settings, and delineate how concepts from these theories can guide coaching.

Methods: In our discussion, we explain how two behavioral theories are complementary and applicable to coaching, present empirical support for these theories, and describe applications of these concepts for practice.

Conclusions and practice implications: Self-determination theory can guide clinicians in how to interact with patients to meet patients' psychological needs, to promote health behaviors, and subsequent health status. Self-regulation theory can guide coaches in what concepts to address for behavior change. These complementary theories have been supported in rigorous research with adult populations in ambulatory care settings.

Type

Article

PubMed ID

36335082