Abstract/Summary

Coaching models like the popular GROW model provide processes designed to increase the likelihood of change (Whitmore, 2009). Despite the use of such models, changing behaviour can still be difficult. One possible explanation for this is that important aspects of behavioural change are not captured by the GROW model. There has been substantial research into behavioural change in the domain of health initiatives, and this has given rise to Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) (Schwarzer, 2008). This model considers two phases of behavioural change; initiation (in which change is planned) and action (in which new actions are put in place). It is in this second phase that the HAPA model provides new processes that might benefit coaching for behavioural change. The authors adapted key components of the HAPA, in order to incorporate these into the GROW model. They tested this new model on four coaching clients to determine whether this model supports coachees to initiate and maintain behavioural change, and develop recovery strategies when obstacles are encountered. Results suggest that clients found the GROWS model more effective since proactive elicitation of strategies to overcome potential obstacles and recovery from setbacks led to more successful initiation and completion of goals. All levels of self-efficacy tested contributed to this result. The authors share a selection of the HAPA-based coaching questions that can be used to implement this new approach. It is hoped that coaches can use these to support their coachees to develop more sustainable behavioural change.