title: Value of a health behavior change reflection assignment for health promotion learning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Health promotion is a recognized competency in the preparation and education of Addictions Counseling students. This qualitative study explores the value of a reflection assignment in an undergraduate health promotion course at the University of Lethbridge, Canada, towards developing Addictions Counseling students' health promotion competency.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the course, students attempted a health behavior change of their own choosing, reflected on their experiences and completed a reflection paper. Thematic analysis was conducted on students' reflection papers (n=21) and on a transcript of a focus group with four students to generate a description of students' perceived value of the assignment for their learning, personal health, and future health promotion practice in the field of Addictions Counseling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three themes marked students perceived increased capacity for healthy behavior and health promotion: (1) facilitating the change process; (2) integrating experiential and theoretical learning about health; and (3) growing as a health promotion practitioner and as a person with expanding capacity for health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This reflection assignment shows potential as both a learning process supporting future professional practice and as a tool for promoting health among undergraduate students.
authors.affiliation: University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. bonnie.lee@uleth.ca
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Yanicki
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Solowoniuk
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D013850:Thinking; D055815:Young Adult