What does Elisabeth Barrett's Knowing Participation in Change Theory emphasize?

Elisabeth Barrett's Knowing Participation in Change Theory emphasizes the importance of making choices as a core element of the process of change. This theory posits that individuals play an active role in their own transformation by engaging in reflective and deliberate decision-making. It underscores the notion that individuals do not merely experience change passively; instead, they actively participate in shaping their own journeys by making informed choices. This focus on agency and the ability to decide empowers individuals, aligning closely with the principles of nurse coaching, which prioritize self-efficacy and personal responsibility in health and wellness outcomes.

While external motivations and influences, as well as concepts of power, may play roles in broader contexts of change, Barrett's theory primarily centers on the individual's capacity to make choices, highlighting that it is through these decisions that individuals can navigate and embrace change in their lives. This focus enables practitioners to support clients in recognizing and exercising their own agency, fostering a more empowering and collaborative approach to health promotion.