The effects of wellness coaching on the wellness and health behaviors of early adolescents

Objective This study evaluated the impact of a wellness coaching program on the health behaviors of eighth‐grade students. Design and Sample The study population comprised 132 adolescents (Wellness Coaching Group n = 33, Health Education Group n = 33, Control Group n = 66). Methods A pretest/posttest randomized controlled study was used. Students completed a demographic information form, the Five‐Factor Wellness Scale—Adolescent Form (5F‐Wellness‐AF) and the Adolescent Lifestyle Scale (ALPS). The wellness coaching program of group education, individual consulting, physical activity, and health education was provided for 12 weeks. Results The data indicated a significant difference in the total 5F‐Wellness‐AF and ALPS scores after the program. No statistically significant difference was observed in the total scores of the two scales for the Health Education Group, while the Control Group's 5F‐Wellness‐AF mean score declined after the intervention. At the beginning of the study, 15.2% of students in the wellness coaching program were overweight; this percentage decreased to 9.1% at the end of the study. Conclusions This wellness coaching program significantly increased the wellness of adolescents and improved their healthy lifestyle behaviors. This program can be used together with health education provided by a public health nurse.