Effect of group health behaviour change coaching on psychosocial constructs associated with physical activity among university employees

Lifestyle behaviours are a contributing factor in approximately 80% of chronic diseases, making them a primary target for employee wellness programmes (EWPs). To effectively change health behaviours, EWPs should implement evidence-based strategies. One strategy is health behaviour change coaching, which is often delivered in a one-on-one format. While limited research exists, group health behaviour change coaching (group coaching) has potential to be an efficient alternative, impacting more people. The purpose of this study was to determine whether group health coaching improved psychological constructs related to physical activity and physical fitness among university employees in an EWP. Employees (n = 100) were randomly selected from a pool of volunteers who registered for the EWP, were overweight/obese, and at risk for cardiovascular disease. The intervention consisted of three group coaching sessions based on the Transtheoretical Model and Self-Determination Theory. Paired t-tests compared pre/post-m...