Date of Award
2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Kinesiology
Supervisor
Dr. Jennifer Irwin
Second Advisor
Dr. Don Morrow
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the impact of one-on-one Co-Active Professional Life Coaching on the body composition, self-esteem, self-efficacy, physical activity, and functional health status of adults with obesity [body mass index (BMI) values greater than 30]. Methods: This one-group, pre-test post-test study targeted a sample of 20 men and women aged 35-55 who had a BMI equal to or greater than 30. Participants engaged in six to eight 35-minute telephone sessions with a Certified Profession Co-Active Coach (CPCC). During these sessions, the participant called the CPCC and together they explored what changes the subject wanted to make in his/her life, and how to make the desired changes reality. The researcher recorded height and weight measurements to calculate BMI, waist circumference and administered the Short Form 36-item Functional Health Status Scale, the adapted Godin Leisure Time Activity questionnaire, the International Physical Activity questionnaire, a series of self-efficacy questionnaires, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale at baseline and at the end of the 8-week treatment. Paired t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Significant decreases in waist circumference and significant increases in selfesteem and functional health status were experienced by participants in this study. No significant changes in body mass index (BMI), self-efficacy, or physical activity occurred. Qualitatively, participants reported in the exit interview that they started to increase the amount of physical activity in which they engaged on a daily basis. At the end of the coaching treatment, participants reported they were feeling more optimistic about making healthier choices, and started engaging in healthful actions. Participants also judged themselves more gently and experienced greater self-acceptance. iii Discussion: Co-Active life coaching was associated with a decrease in waist circumference, and an increase in self-esteem and functional health status. rThese findings are important because waist circumference is directly associated with all-cause mortality in middle aged adults and increased self-esteem and functional health status are inversely related with weight loss. Participants at the end of the treatment felt that they now had the tools necessary to maintain daily physical activity and proper nutrition.
Recommended Citation
Newnham-Kanas, Courtney E., "CO-ACTIVE LIFE COACHING AS A TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH OBESITY" (2007). Digitized Theses. 4877.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4877