Implementing a Physical Activity Counselling Program on Campus: Acceptability and Impact

0Citations
Citations of this article
19Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Physical activity levels remain significantly low in the adult population and especially on university campuses. One potential strategy to counter low physical activity levels and poor mental health on university campuses is Physical Activity Counselling (PAC), which aims to enhance one’s motivation for physical activity. The purpose of this mixed method study was to describe the implementation, acceptability, and impact of an on-campus PAC program, on both the clients and counsellors. Inactive university students and faculty/staff were recruited to receive individualized PAC. Quantitative data was collected from clients using online validated questionnaires. Qualitative data was collected from counsellors using semi-structured interviews. Effect sizes (d) were conducted for quantitative data whereas all qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Increases in physical activity and mental health, as well as emotional, social, and psychological well-being were found in clients from baseline to end-point. Changes in physical activity were positively associated with changes in mental health and social well-being. Counsellors indicated that participating in the PAC program provided them with the opportunity to practice key behaviour change techniques which led to an increased confidence in delivering PAC. This study provides important information related to the implementation of a PAC on-campus program, and results support the positive impact on both clients and counsellors. Other institutions are encouraged to offer a PAC course and replicate this program to increase physical activity levels and improve mental health among university students and faculty/staff.

References Powered by Scopus

Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 Diseases and Injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

9943Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Better reporting of interventions: Template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide

6191Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Outcomes for implementation research: conceptual distinctions, measurement challenges, and research agenda.

4570Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

McFadden, T. D., Pastore, O. L., Gagnon, J. C., Iannetti, M. M., & Fortier, M. (2023). Implementing a Physical Activity Counselling Program on Campus: Acceptability and Impact. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, 8(1), 139–167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-022-00081-3

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

Lecturer / Post doc 2

67%

Professor / Associate Prof. 1

33%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Psychology 4

57%

Sports and Recreations 2

29%

Computer Science 1

14%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free