title: Optimal Health (Spirit, Mind, and Body): A Feasibility Study Promoting Well-Being for Health Behavior Change.
abstract: Faith-based programs have shown beneficial effects for health and behaviors. Few have specifically intervened on the spiritual, mental (i.e., stress), and physical dimensions of well-being combined for health and healthy behaviors (i.e., exercise and diet). The purpose of this report is to describe the feasibility of executing a spirituality-based health behavior change, program founded upon the Spiritual Framework of Coping. This study was a quasi-experimental one group pretest-posttest design. Feasibility objectives were assessed, and limited efficacy of pretest and posttest measures was analyzed using paired t test (p < .05). Acceptance of the program was positive, and modest demand was shown with initial interest and an average attendance of 78.7%. The program was successfully implemented as shown by meeting session objectives and 88% homework completion. The program was practical for the intended participants and was successfully integrated within the existing environment. Limited efficacy measures showed no pre-post changes. This study provided preliminary support for the design and further testing of the theoretical components of the Spiritual Framework of Coping that informed the program.
authors.affiliation: School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA, jrwalke8@asu.edu.
authors.forename: Jenelle
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ainsworth
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hooker
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keller
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fleury
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chisum
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Swan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D029181:Spirituality