Fostering cultural competence: Exploring client perception in a health coaching intervention among college students

Abstract

AbstractHealth coaching could be an innovative approach to develop student coaches' cultural competence (CC) among future health professionals. The current mix‐method study design explored the impact of an 8‐week peer health coaching intervention among college students on CC, from both student health coaches (i.e., students majored in health sciences who completed health coaching training and acted as health coach) and student clients' perspective. Nine student coaches and 24 student clients participated in the study. The quantitative analysis showed an increase in the clients' perceived level of coaches' CC between the pre‐ and posttest. The qualitative analysis revealed three themes, including varying levels of awareness, respectful and culturally responsive coaching, and cultural connection. Implications and recommendations for educators and researchers are discussed.