Evaluation of empowerment processes in a workplace health promotion intervention based on learning in Sweden

Bibliographic Data

ID22945311
AuthorsHanna Arneson (Linköping University, corresponding author), Kerstin Ekberg (0000-0002-8031-7651, Linköping University)
Year2005
Volume20
Issue4
Pages351-359
Publication date2005-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/dai023
PMID16169884
OpenAlexW2126434695
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited34

The aim of this study was to evaluate a theory-based method for workplace health promotion (WHP) with regard to possible facilitation of empowerment processes. The intervention tool was the pedagogic method known as problem-based learning (PBL). The aim of the intervention was to promote empowerment and health among the employees. The intervention was implemented in three organizations within the public sector in Sweden, in a bottom-up approach. All employees, including management, in each organization, were offered the opportunity to participate (n = 113) and 87% (n = 97) participated. The intervention was implemented in 13 groups of six to eight participants who met once a week over a period of 4 months. The predetermined overall goal of the intervention was to promote employee health within the organizational setting. A facilitator in each group and a group-specific mutual agreement guided the intervention, as did the problem solving process. The participants set goals and developed strategies to reach their goals between the meetings. Thirty informants were interviewed in seven focus groups after the intervention about the intervention method and the process, following a semi-structured theme guide. The phenomenographic analysis resulted in six descriptive categories: reflection, awareness and insight, self-direction and self-management, group coherence, social support and actions. The results correspond to established theories of components of empowerment processes. The method initiated processes of change at organizational, workplace and individual levels as the participants examined their work situation, determined problems and initiated solutions. Social support and group coherence were expressed as essential in order to transform challenging strategies into action and goal realization. The findings indicate that systematic improvements of social support and group coherence among employees ought to be facilitated by the organization as a health-promoting arena. PBL appears to be a profitable and powerful instrument with the potential to enable empowerment.

Empowerment · Facilitator · Focus group · Health promotion · Intervention (counseling) · Medical education · Political science · Public health · Salutogenesis · Sociology · Health, psychology, and well-being · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · School Health and Nursing Education · Social Psychology · Workplace Health and Well-being

Tools

Open DOISci-HubOpen Access