Evaluation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strengths based coaching program: a study protocol

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Community Wellbeing
• Psychological Interventions

Background:

• Growing interest in strengths-based health interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
• Need for evidence to counter deficit-based approaches in Indigenous wellbeing initiatives.
• Focus on culturally relevant outcomes and community-defined needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of a strengths-based life coaching program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community housing tenants.
• Assess the impact of life coaching on social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB).
• Contribute to the evidence base for strengths-based approaches in Indigenous communities.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study (More Than a Landlord - MTAL study) involving Aboriginal Housing Victoria tenants.
• Baseline, 6, and 18-month surveys of SEWB and demographics administered by peer researchers.
• Participation in strengths-based life coaching (GROW model) for up to 18 months, delivered by Indigenous coaches.

Main Results:

• Anticipated recruitment of at least 200 survey participants.
• Approximately 73% of survey participants expected to engage in life coaching.
• Data collection on SEWB, strengths, resilience, self-determination, and wellbeing outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The MTAL study aligns with principles for Indigenous research, promoting community control and capacity building.
• Provides essential evidence on the effectiveness of strengths-based initiatives for SEWB in Indigenous communities.
• Offers new insights into the relationship between strengths, resilience, self-determination, and wellbeing.