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The rapid development of computer and sensing technologies enables e-coaching systems for individuals with various physical health and mental health challenges. In this article, we review recent research efforts on using virtual avatar-based computer technologies to improve social and communication skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and outline the research needed for building the next generation virtual avatar-based life coaching system for children with ASD.

Background Depression, stress, and anxiety are common psychological conditions among dental students in many countries around the world. A number of researchers have found life coaching to be effective at reducing psychological distress. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a life coaching program on dental students’ psychological status. Methods A quasi-experiment study with two arms was conducted on 88 female dental students at Umm Al-Qura University (study group = 44; control group = 44). The psychological status was assessed by questionnaire before and after intervention. The questionnaire was composed of the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), Resilience Scale (RS-14), the Psychological Well-Being Scale–Short (PWB-S), and goal approach questions. The study group received a coaching program comprising one lecture for 1 h and five phone coaching sessions over 5 weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Results The study group showed a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, stress, resilience, and self-acceptance according to the PWB-S scale. Also, goal approach was significantly improved. On the other hand, the control group showed a significant reduction on the RS-14 only. The differences in the tested scales between the study group and the control group from pre-intervention (T1) to post-intervention (T2) showed significant differences in depression, stress, self-acceptance, and goal approach measurements per t-test. Conclusion The study’s findings showed that life coaching had the effect of reducing psychological distress, which encouraged the implementation of coaching practice in the daily life of dental students.

Background The contract GP scheme in Norway has been a success, but the scheme's sustainability has been weakened. In summer 2017, the so-called Tronder rebellion arose among GPs who wished to analyse the situation. In order to obtain a better understanding of their total daily workload, all GPs in Norway were invited to record all their activity on a typical day in their practices. This included 22 pre-defined, currently relevant issues that form the basis of this article. Material and method In 2018, all of Norway's 4 784 registered GPs received a web-based questionnaire survey. Altogether 1 032 doctors responded to the survey. The dataset elucidates more than 20 000 consultations throughout the country and more than 44 000 issues. Results On average, the GPs carried out 20 consultations addressing 43 different issues on a typical day in their practices. There were small differences between men and women doctors. Multimorbidity was a factor in 29 % of the consultations, mental disorders in 22 % and stress and life strains in 18 %. The GPs felt that they had a key role in providing support or life coaching in 15 % of the consultations. Interpretation The study documents that complex and demanding issues are a frequent occurrence. The GPs play a key role in the treatment of multimorbid patients, prevention of disease and detection and follow-up of cancer. The study underscores the importance of broad-based knowledge and fundamental continuity in the doctor-patient relationship.

When writing about oneself, it is difficult to be objective. So this is just my story of my time as a school psychologist in Queensland Australia. I hope it will be a good “read” and that some lessons I was late in learning could be learnt more quickly by some people starting out in their careers as school psychologists. I have always doubted myself and perhaps have not made the most of every opportunity that I was lucky enough to have been given. But I think on reflection perhaps I didn’t do so bad after all. Helping others as a school psychologist is the most rewarding career and life fulfilling job. Although from different countries and states in America I think there are many similarities with all the women in this book, both from a personal level of the time we have lived in and the careers we have chosen.

Im Pretest-Posttest-Design mit zwei Messwiederholungen, Kontrollgruppe und 19 Klienten wird mittels Methodenmix untersucht, ob ein Life-Coaching eine Lebensunzufriedenheit verandert. Im Ergebnis verringerten sich diese bei 81 % der Klienten bzw. sie loste sich auf. Belastungen wurden um 100 % (T(11) = 4; p < 0,005), Beanspruchungen um 88 % reduziert. Signifikant war der Ruckgang der emotional-kognitiven Beanspruchungen um 89 % (T(13) = 0; p < 0,005). Die Stressbelastung war signifikant niedriger (T(13) = 20; p < 0,05). Es bestand ein Innersubjekteffekt zwischen Intervention und einer der Subskalen, F(1,24) = 5,776; p = 0,024.

Background Student physicians are particularly prone to high rates of poor mental and physical quality of life, including depression, anxiety, and fatigue. We prospectively tested whether a structured, theory-based executive/life coaching program tailored to first year medical students in the United States was feasible, tolerable, and would be recommended by participants. Secondary goals included impact on coaching goals, resilience, and perceived stress. Methods This single-arm intervention study evaluated a program of two group and two private coaching sessions during the first year, second semester of the Georgetown University School of Medicine Class of 2019. Survey data (global and tailored questions, Connor-Davidson resilience scale, Friedricksson-Larsson stress question) were collected from participants at baseline and post-intervention. Results 37/40 students completed the intervention; 32 completed the pre-post surveys. Most (32/37) were willing to recommend the program (16/37 were very willing) and 29/37 recommended inclusion in the curriculum. Responses to tailored questions showed significant increases in self-efficacy regarding stress management (p

Even though avatar-based virtual reality systems have been used to improve social skills of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), such systems do not address the fundamental emotional and social needs of children. In this paper, we propose a virtual life coaching system called Buddy to address this unmet need. The system aims to reduce the financial cost of autism care, and promises to significantly improve the emotion and mental state of children and adolescents with ASD. Different from other systems, we propose that the life coaching materials be aligned closely with the intense interests of individuals with ASD. This could be essential for the usability and effectiveness of the virtual life coaching system. Such a system would be better in engaging children and adolescents with ASD and in winning their trust for long-term use.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) cures many haematological cancers. Recovery post-HSCT is physically and psychologically challenging, lasting several months. Beyond the first post-transplant year, a fifth report difficulties encompassing practical, social and emotional domains, including finance and employment. We investigated the feasibility, acceptability and impact of a life coaching intervention designed to address psychosocial ‘survivor’ concerns of HSCT recipients and facilitate transition to life post-treatment. A concurrent embedded experimental mixed-method design was employed. Pre- and post-intervention data collection comprised qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews and quantitative postal questionnaires. Seven purposively sampled HSCT recipients (

Karin Bæk Knudsen,1 Tacjana Pressler,2 Laust Hvas Mortensen,3 Mary Jarden,3,4 Kirsten Arntz Boisen,5 Marianne Skov,2 Alexandra L Quittner,6 Terese Lea Katzenstein1,7 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; 2Cystic Fibrosis Center Copenhagen, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; 3Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; 4University Hospital Center for Health Research (UCSF), Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; 5Center of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; 6Miami Children’s Research Institute, Miami, FL, USA; 7Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark Background: Over the last two decades, lifespan has increased significantly for people living with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, several studies have demonstrated that many young adults with CF report mental health problems and poor adherence to their prescribed treatments, challenging their long-term physical health. Treatment guidelines recommend interventions to improve adherence and self-management. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a life coaching intervention for young adults with CF. Methods: A randomized, controlled feasibility study was conducted at the CF Center at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet. Participants were young adults with CF, aged 18–30years without severe intellectual impairments. Participants were randomized to either life coaching or standard care. The intervention consisted of up to 10 individual, face-to-face or telephone coaching sessions over a period of 1 year. Primary outcomes were recruitment success, acceptability, adherence to the intervention, and retention rates. Secondary outcome measures included health-related quality of life, adherence to treatment, self-efficacy, pulmonary function, body mass index, and blood glucose values. Results: Among the 85 eligible patients approached, 40 (47%) were enrolled and randomized to the intervention or control group; two patients subsequently withdrew consent. Retention rates after 5 and 10 coaching sessions were 67% and 50%, respectively. Reasons for stopping the intervention included lack of time, poor health, perceiving coaching as not helpful, lack of motivation, and no need for further coaching. Coaching was primarily face-to-face (68%). Nosignificant differences were found between the groups on any of the secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Both telephone and face-to-face coaching were convenient for participants, with 50% receiving the maximum offered coaching sessions. However, the dropout rate early in the intervention was a concern. In future studies, eligible participants should be screened for their interest and perceived need for support and life coaching before enrollment. Keywords: life coaching, adherence, depression, quality of life, chronic disease&nbsp

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of Motivational Interviewing (MI)-via-Co-Active Life Coaching (CALC) on: smoking behaviours, personal competency as well as changes in perceptions of identity, smoking, quitting and the intervention itself among young adults (aged 19–25 years) in Canada. A mixed methods intent-to-treat approach was taken; the impact of 8–10 MI-via-CALC sessions on smoking behaviour and personal competency of 40 young adult smokers was examined through both questionnaires and individual interviews over 1 year. The immediate-intervention group received MI-via-CALC starting right after enrolment, whereas the waitlist-intervention group was placed on a waitlist for 3 months and then received the intervention. The immediate-intervention group decreased significantly from baseline to post-intervention in smoking behaviours, including the number of cigarettes smoked per day and cigarette dependency; and increased significantly in personal competency, including self-est...

To assess the effectiveness of 2 self-management (SM) approaches on obesity via a 12-week telephone-based intervention. An interactive motivational interviewing administered via Co-Active Life Coaching (MI-via-CALC) and a structured lifestyle treatment following the LEARN Program for Weight Management were compared. A secondary purpose was to explore the experiences of participants qualitatively.University students 18-24 years of age with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) (n = 45) were randomized to either the: 1) MI-via-CALC condition that involved working with a certified Co-Active coach to achieve personal goals through dialogue, or 2) LEARN Program that entailed learning from a trained specialist who provided scripted, education-based lessons pertaining to lifestyle, exercise, attitudes, relationships and nutrition. Food consumption patterns, anthropometric and lipid profiles were examined at baseline, mid- and immediately posttreatment, and 3 and 6 months after the program. A semistructured questionnaire was completed at all follow-ups.Analyses revealed a significant time effect for weight (p = 0.01) with the LEARN group decreasing more (M = -7.76 lb) than the MI-VIA-CALC group (M = -2.5 lb) between baseline and week 12. MI-via-CALC participants decreased caloric intake more (M = -662.76) than LEARN participants (M = -105.5) during this same period. The MI-via-CALC group focused on self-understanding, and self-responsibility as primary outcomes of their experience; the LEARN group stressed their appreciation of practical knowledge gained.Both conditions seem similarly effective and are warranted as SM treatments. The best fit and unique contributions of each approach should be considered when working with this population.

Background Chronic conditions are increasingly more common and negatively impact quality of life, disability, morbidity, and mortality. Health coaching has emerged as a possible intervention to help individuals with chronic conditions adopt health supportive behaviors that improve both quality of life and health outcomes. Methods/design We planned a systematic review and meta-analysis of the contemporary health coaching literature published in the last decade to evaluate the effect of health coaching on clinically important, disease-specific, functional, and behavioral outcomes. We will include randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies that compared health coaching to alternative interventions or usual care. To enable adoption of effective interventions, we aim to explore how the effect of intervention is modified by the intervention components, delivering personnel (i.e., health professionals vs trained lay or peer persons), dose, frequency, and setting. Analysis of intervention outcomes will be reported and classified using an existing theoretical framework, the Theory of Patient Capacity, to identify the areas of patients’ capacity to access and use healthcare and enact self-care where coaching may be an effective intervention. Discussion This systematic review and meta-analysis will identify and synthesize evidence to inform the practice of health coaching by providing evidence on components and characteristics of the intervention essential for success in individuals with chronic health conditions. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42016039730 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13643-016-0316-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The aim of this study is in a general practice trial setting to identify predictive factors for weight loss after 1 year among young adults who are over-weight or obese and who have several psychosocial problems. Twenty-eight general practitioners recruited 495 patients aged 20–45 years with psychosocial problems for a randomized general preventive study to increase self-efficacy to achieve a self-prioritised goal for a better life by discussions of resources and barriers for reaching the goal. The present study is a post hoc analysis of possible predictors of weight loss among all 218 patients who have over-weight or obesity. A 23-pages questionnaire was completed before and 1 year after randomization. 111 patients had a one-hour preventive health consultation with their general practitioners focused on life coaching and a follow-up consultation within 3 months, and 107 patients had no preventive consultation. Twenty-two patients stated during the preventive consultation that weight loss was a prioritised goal. They had a mean weight loss of 4.7 kgs compared with 1.6 kgs in the group without this goal and 1.6 kgs in the group without preventive consultation. In a logistic regression model, predictors of weight loss or no weight loss were a) pre-interventional consideration of weight loss within 30 days, b) having weight loss as a prioritised goal for improved quality of life, c) being female, d) being in the oldest half of participants, and e) having many psychosocial problems. In a linear regression model, the predictors together explained about 11 % of the weight loss. Important predictors were: obesity (explained 4 %), pre-interventional consideration of weight loss within 30 days (3 %), and having a preventive health consultation with weight loss as a prioritised goal (2 %). Pre-interventional consideration of weight loss within 30 days and having weight loss as a prioritised goal during the health consultation were two important predictors for weight loss. By structured interventions focussing on the patients’ priorities, self-chosen goals, their resources and barriers for reaching the goals, changes may be obtained; especially in participants with many problems who often do not accept participation in procedures on risks. NCT 01231256 , Aug. 22. 2010.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to explore Motivational Interviewing (MI) applied through Co-Active Life Coaching (CALC) skills on obese adults’ (ages 35 to 55) weight, waist circumference, self-esteem, functional health status, quality of life, self-efficacy, physical activity, and nutrition.Design:A single-subject multiple-baseline method research design was utilised.Method:One volunteer Certified Professional Co-Active (CPCC) coach provided 18 35-minute weekly coaching sessions with eight women residing in London, Ontario whose BMI was ≥30. Measures included weight, waist circumference, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire, self-efficacy questionnaires, The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and two three-day dietary intakes. Participants returned six months after their final coaching session for a follow-up weigh-in and waist circumference measurement. Visual inspection was used to analyse weight and waist circumference to determine whether changes were observed. Statistical interpretations were used to analyse the remaining measures to determine whether a clinically significant change was made.Results:Visual inspection indicated a change in weight and waist circumference. Clinically significant changes were observed in participants’ self-esteem, functional health status, quality of life, self-efficacy, physical activity, and nutrition. At the six-month follow-up, three participants had gained weight (although two participants were still below their baseline weight), one participant continued to lose weight and four participants maintained the weight lost during the intervention phase.Conclusions:MI using CALC skills is a behavioural intervention that is an effective tool in aiding individuals to conquer their battle with weight.

Self-management is a key component of diabetes care and enhancing patient self-efficacy is an important factor. Typical diabetes education programs include strategies to increase self-efficacy, but little information exists about the effectiveness of such programs within Asian and Pacific populations. The Hawai'i Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment was a federally funded, community-based randomised trial in which treatment group participants received individualised life coaching and pharmacist counselling over a 12-month period. The study measured changes in diabetes self-efficacy among treatment and control group participants using repeated measures analysis of covariance. Focus group findings provided a comprehensive picture of participants' perception of their experiences in the trial and more specifically the individualised intervention. There was a significant effect of the intervention on diabetes self-efficacy at the p < .01 level [ F(1, 187) = 10.40, p = .002]. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of individually tailored approaches to diabetes self-management within a diverse, employed sample.

Life coaching techniques have become popular in recent years but there is little evidence of the use of these techniques with family support service users. Given the emphasis within family support ...

According to the 2010 UNAIDS Report, an estimated 320 000 (or 20%) fewer people died of AIDS-related causes in 2009 when compared to figures in 2004 in sub-Saharan Africa, when antiretroviral therapy was markedly expanded (UNAIDS, 2010). This decreased mortality rate offers hope for HIV-infected people to plan a future, part of which will include dating and sexual relationships. The Report cites KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa as being at the heart of the HIV/AIDS epidemic; this article is based on research on dating and sexuality among HIV-positive people in KwaZulu-Natal. Dating and sexuality are an integral part of living. Yet HIV-positive persons are denied intimacy at a time when this is most needed (Kasiram in Kasiram, Partab & Dano, 2006). Little is known about the full range of sexual adaptations that HIV-infected individuals choose (Schiltz & Sandfort, 2000). Kasiram, Partab, Dano and Van Greunen (2003:9) cite interaction and intimacy among HIV-positive persons as a neglected research focus, while Painter (2001) adds that insufficient attention is afforded to couple relationships for infected people. An important reason that motivated this study on dating and sexual challenges faced by HIV-positive people was the first author’s (the main researcher’s) personal experience of being HIV positive and counselling and life coaching HIV-positive people. She is confronted regularly with variations of the question “Will I be normal?”, which often translates to: “Will I be able to date and have sex.

In the developing field of Life Coaching, Rehabilitation Counsellors can find an approach that when applied in the Rehabilitation setting can get real results. The profession of life coaching is discussed with regard to its origins and applications, and then compared to the field of psychology and rehabilitation counselling. The ‘Coach Approach’ is offered as an exciting new paradigm that creates an effective partnership in assisting clients to reach their full potential.

BACKGROUNDIn recent years, coaching has received special attention as a method to improve healthy lifestyle behaviours. The fact that coaching has found its way into healthcare and may provide new ways of engaging the patients and making them accountable for their health, justifies the need for an overview of the evidence regarding coaching interventions used in patient care, the effect of the interventions, and the quality of the studies published. However, in order to provide a clear definition of the coaching interventions selected for this review, we have found it necessary to distinguish between health coaching and life coaching. In this review, we will only focus on the latter method and on that basis assess the health related outcomes of life coaching.METHODSIntervention studies using quantitative or qualitative methods to evaluate the outcome of the life coach interventions were identified through systematic literature searches in PubMed, Embase, Psycinfo, and CINAHL. The quality of the methodology was independently assessed by three of the authors using a criteria list.RESULTSA total of 4359 citations were identified in the electronic search and five studies were included; two of them were randomized controlled trials and met all quality criteria. The two studies investigating objective health outcomes (HbA1c) showed mixed but promising results, especially concerning the patient group that usually does not benefit from intensified interventions.CONCLUSIONBecause of the very limited number of solid studies, this review can only present tendencies for patient outcomes and a preliminary description of an effective life coaching intervention.The coaching method used in these studies aims to improve self-efficacy and self-empowerment. This may explain why the studies including disadvantaged patients showed the most convincing results. The findings also indicate that some patients benefit from being met with an alternative approach and a different type of communication than they are used to from health care personnel.In order to get a closer look at what is in the ‘black box’, we suggest that the description and categorisation of the coaching methods are described more comprehensively, and that research into this area is supplemented by a more qualitative approach.