Supporting and adapting behaviours towards improved health are central to the role of kinesiologists in delivering client care. The complex interaction of clients’ perceptions, goals, experiences, objectives, barriers and facilitators around health behaviours must be considered for the appropriate development of healthy lifestyle planning. In this course, students will enhance their understanding of the principles and application of theory-driven health behaviour assessment and intervention techniques for the prevention, treatment or management of health and performance. Skill development will focus on critical appraisal of assessment instruments, individualized interviewing and counselling techniques, strategies to accommodate varying degrees of health literacy and dynamic approaches to establishing and monitoring chronic health behaviour change. Students will engage in case-based learning, partner/small-group role-playing and lectures to develop a rich understanding of behaviour change theory and its application. The link between physical activity and mental health is highlighted throughout this course.

Course duration: • 12 weeks • 3-hour lecture and 1.5-hour lab/tutorial per week