‘Be kind to yourself – because you’re doing fine’: using self-determination theory to explore the health-related experiences of primiparous women participating in a co-active life coaching intervention

ABSTRACT

The postpartum period is a vulnerable time for the onset of excess weight, especially in primiparous (first-time) mothers. Co-Active Life Coaching (CALC) is a cognitive behavioural technique that has shown utility for enhancing health in populations with obesity. While the Co-Active model has been grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), no empirical studies have investigated CALC as it relates to the fulfilment of SDT’s basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). Using this theoretical lens, the purpose of this study was to explore qualitatively the experiences of primiparous women participating in a telephone-based CALC intervention. Nine first-time mothers engaged in eight-weekly sessions delivered by Certified Professional Co-Active Coaches. Semi-structured interviews were conducted following the intervention and analyzed using deductive thematic content analysis. Several detractors from (e.g., motherhood-specific challenges) and supporters of (e.g., being kind to oneself) SDT’s basic psychological needs were discussed in the context of health behaviour change. The coaching relationship and delivery mode were deemed especially helpful (e.g., providing a need-supportive environment, facilitating accountability). When provided by telephone, this coaching style may be a useful health promotion tool for primiparous mothers: a population with unpredictable schedules and multifaceted responsibilities. A larger sample size with a longer follow-up period is now recommended.

KEYWORDS:

• Life coaching
• primiparous mothers
• women
• postpartum period
• self-determination theory
• behaviour change
• health
• qualitative

Acknowledgements

This project was completed with significant contributions from the Certified Professional Co-Active Coaches who generously volunteered to provide their coaching services for this study. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the study volunteers, as well as the contributions of the mothers who participated in this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

J. Harvey, MSc, is a second-year medical student at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

E. S. Pearson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at Lakehead University and a trained Co-Active coach. Her research interests include health promotion and health psychology with a focus on the use of Co-Active coaching and motivational interviewing as weight management strategies.

T. Mantler, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Studies at Western University. Her research focuses on empowerment, women’s health, intimate partner violence, and health promotion.

J. K. Gotwals, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at Lakehead University. His research focuses on psychosocial factors that impact athletes’ achievement efforts in sport and their well-being outside of sport.

ORCID

J. Harvey http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3774-0921

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Lakehead University Regional Research Fund 85276.