Psychological Barriers to Self-Management and Health Behaviour Change

[Melanie Matthews]

Question from one of our members: What is being done to provide
support around the issue of psychological barriers to self-management
and health behaviour change (ie, beliefs, expectations, attitudes and
thoughts that prevent adherence to medical and lifestyle
recommendations)?

Thanks for any advice!

Melanie Matthews
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Melanie Matthews
Moderator
Health Coaching Discussion Group, sponsored by the
Healthcare Intelligence Network,
the Gateway to Healthcare Business Information on the Internet
(888) 446-3530
1913 Atlantic Avenue Suite F4
Manasquan, NJ 08736
www.hin.com
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[Ruth Fikes]

We've incorporated licensed behavioral health clinicians trained in Stages
of Change and Motivational Interviewing to be coaches. Our belief is
behavioral health clinicians have the appropriate expertise to assess and
respond to psychological barriers. Our focus remains on coaching versus
telephonic therapy and we quickly identify and refer to appropriate
therapists whenever the psychological barriers presented are indicative of a
behavioral health or chemical dependency disorder. - Ruth Fikes

[Bill]

Hi Melanie:

At the time this request was posted, I didn't have anything specific
to offer. A while ago, I recognized the need to look deeper into the
topic of the psychological issues associated with health and lifestyle
behavior change and have begun a deep dive into the published
literature, an effort that remains on-going. Over the weekend I read
a document that, I believe, would be worth sharing with your member.
The document is: "Listening to Consumers: Values Focused Health
Benefits and Education" Issue Brief #313, January 2008, EBRI (Employee
Benefits Research Institute). The link to the document is:
http://www.ebri.org/publications/ib/index.cfm?fa=ibDisp&content_id=3873

Bill McPeck
William McPeck, MSW
Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant
Work-Life Certified Professional
Certified Health Promotion Director
Director, Employee Health and Safety
Maine State Government
207-287-6780 (voice)
207-287-6796 (fax)
william....@maine.gov