Cascade of Help-Seeking and Health Behavior

Posted by Joel Bennett on Jan 13, 2015

Prevention training can facilitate greater use of health coaching or other services that help employees (e.g., employee assistance).

Many wellness/EAP providers who offer coaching often find low utilization rates. But promotional communications and training--like the OWLS' programs highlighted in the article--can adequately address attitudes toward help-seeking. The Research. Dr. Shawn Reynolds (OWLS Research Consultant) and Dr. Joel Bennett recently published an article in the Jan/Feb (2015) issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion. The article outlines and tests different paths through which a workplace health intervention can result in positive outcomes. The Findings. Some people will get better just through exposure to the training. Others may first improve in their attitudes toward seeking help (e.g., getting coaching). Others may have to improve attitudes and then get help before change occurs.

This is just the first test of the model. OWLS' simple cascade model has universal application; it can help practitioners and purchasers better understand the processes associated with all types of wellness or behavioral health coaching. Please access an abstract of the article here. Small Business. The model was tested with employees from over 40 small businesses, a seriously under-represented segment of the wellness market-space. If you are a small business or a wellness provider interested in small businesses, please review the Small Business Wellness Initiative or contact us for consultation. Get Certified.