Familien-Coaching zur Förderung der Verhaltensmodifikation in der stationären Rehabilitation von begleiteten Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Adipositas: Eine Machbarkeitsstudie

This study examined the acceptance, feasibility, and sustainability of an individualized family coaching intervention designed to promote behavior modification among children and adolescents with obesity and persons accompanying them during inpatient rehabilitation. The primary aim was to enhance motivation for behavior modification in both patients and their accompanying persons, and to improve the sustainability of rehabilitation outcomes by increasing the involvement of the accompanying persons.This qualitative study was conducted within a single-group pre-post-follow-up design. The study included 31 patients (ages 10-13, 61% female, BMI percentile≥97) and their caregivers. The intervention consisted of three 60-minute family coaching sessions based on the principles of Motivational Interviewing. Thirteen post-intervention focus group interviews with experts, accompanying persons, and patients as well as coaching protocols were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.The coaching was positively evaluated by all participants. Experts perceived that supplementary family coaching helped reduce resistance within families and foster greater personal responsibility compared to group education alone. The accompanying persons reported improved communication with their children and clearer goal setting. Patients appreciated the opportunity to address difficult topics, such as obesity-related behaviors and family conflicts. In the course of the coaching, the accompanying persons demonstrated increasing levels of mobilizing change talk and active engagement. Patients showed an increased intention for behavior change in the course of the coaching.The qualitative findings support the acceptance and feasibility of family coaching in inpatient rehabilitation settings. Implementing a standardized coaching approach could help to sustain rehabilitation outcomes in pediatric obesity. However, sustainable integration requires structural adjustments to ensure frictionless implementation within rehabilitation routines. Future controlled studies should investigate the short- and long-term rehabilitation success of family coaching.