Date of Award

Spring 2019

Document Type

Thesis Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

Committee Chairperson

Melissa Reed, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Selen Razon, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Patricia Davidson, M.S., D.C.N.

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle coaches’ health behaviors and type of motivations for coaching.

METHODS: A sixteen item electronic survey was emailed to DPP Lifestyle Coaches. Data was analyzed using descriptive and qualitative analyses, as well as chi-square tests.

RESULTS:Sixty three participants (60 female, 3 male) (Age range = 18-75+) responded to the survey. Analyses indicated that the majority of responding coaches worked in healthcare fields and achieved ≥ 150 minutes of physical activity (PA) per week. Qualitive analyses indicated two types of motivation for coaching: internal (N=19) and external motivation (N=36). External motivation further included two sub-themes external-others (N=11) and external-self (N=25). Additional chi-square analyses revealed that those with bachelor and master’s degrees, and working full time in healthcare occupations reported significantly less incidence of diabetes (p

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that lifestyle coaches are employed mainly in health care fields and are motivated to coach by external factors. Further, the results indicate coaches may be serving as appropriate role models in the adoption of at least the PA behaviors. These results could help training, delivery, and recruitment efforts for future coaches.

Download

Share

COinS