Understanding the Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach Credential and Positive Psychology Linkage
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The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners, established a rigorous credentialing process in 2016 to bring professional standards, accountability, and credibility to the field of health and wellness coaching. As our population matures, the demand for evidence-based lifestyle interventions has increased, particularly to help prevent, or manage, chronic disease.
The NBHWC certification has become a sign of competency in the field and opens the door to new career opportunities. Their credential, the NBC-HWC, is the National Board Certified—Health and Wellness Coach. Earning the credential ensures that coaches are trained not only in coaching competencies, motivational interviewing, and behavior change theory but also in applying science-backed methodologies to support clients in achieving a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. For professionals transitioning into wellness coaching, this credential affirms their ability to deliver effective interventions.
Some leading proponents of wellness coaching, such as the College of Executive Coaching, have integrated Positive Psychology into their coaching approaches, recognizing that it is the science that underpins leading a healthy and satisfying life.
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The health and wellness coaching field has expanded rapidly, driven by the value of prevention and lifestyle medicine in managing and reducing the burden of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Coaches who integrate the principles of positive psychology into their practice support long-term behavior change by focusing on clients' strengths, cultivating resilience, and fostering meaningful life engagement.
Research has shown that positive psychology interventions, such as strengths-based goal setting, gratitude practices, and resilience training, lead to improvements in physical health outcomes, emotional well-being, and life satisfaction. Moreover, leveraging these approaches not only enhances adherence to healthy habits but may also reduce the risk of chronic illness altogether.
I believe that wellness coaches, especially those interested in a broad view of well-being, benefit from leveraging the science of positive psychology into their coaching work.
Here are five well-established health benefits, each grounded in peer-reviewed research, that illustrate why positive psychology is a powerful, evidence-based tool to help clients thrive.
One of the most well-documented benefits is the evidence that positive psychology techniques have been shown to enhance overall psychological well-being. A systematic review of mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions demonstrated consistent gains in life satisfaction, emotional regulation, and personal fulfillment—outcomes directly aligned with wellness coaching goals. (Allen, 2021)
It's not only mental wellness that benefits—positive emotions impact physical health too. A review of longitudinal studies showed that people who maintain higher levels of well-being tend to live longer. The link between positive affect and longevity adds a powerful argument for prevention-oriented coaching approaches. (Chida, 2008)
The immune system also seems to benefit from a more optimistic outlook. One study found that individuals with positive emotional expectations demonstrated stronger immune responses—measured by increased cell-mediated immunity—suggesting that mood and mindset may influence how our bodies defend against illness. (Segerstrom, 2010)
Heart health is another area where positive psychology approaches are helpful for longevity. A large-scale meta-analysis from JAMA showed that individuals with higher optimism had a significantly lower risk of major cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. This makes a strong case for integrating a positive psychology perspective into coaching for clients with cardiac risk factors. (Rozanski, 2019)
Wellness coaches frequently work with clients managing chronic illness, and positive psychology can serve as an adjunct to medical treatment. For instance, patients who received interventions promoting meaning, hope, and gratitude reported better coping strategies and greater adherence to treatment regimens. (Boehm, 2012)
These five studies show that coaches trained in positive psychology can apply science to help their clients more than coaches who only have knowledge of basic coaching techniques. Effective wellness coaching requires a comprehensive integration of the science of positive psychology as well as effective coaching competencies. For those pursuing the NBHWC credential, integrating these tools can help differentiate one's practice, increase client satisfaction, and most importantly, contribute to meaningful health improvements.
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References
- Allen, J.G., Romate, J. & Rajkumar, E. Mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions: a systematic review. BMC Psychol 9, 116 (2021).
- Chida, Y., & Steptoe, A. (2008). Positive psychological well-being and mortality: A quantitative review of prospective observational studies. Psychosomatic Medicine, 70(7), 741–756.
- Segerstrom, S. C., & Sephton, S. E. (2010). Optimistic expectancies and cell-mediated immunity: The role of positive affect. Psychological Science, 21(3), 448–455.
- Rozanski, A., Bavishi, C., Kubzansky, L. D., & Cohen, R. (2019). Association of optimism with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 2(9), e1912200.
- Boehm, J. K., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2012). The heart's content: The association between positive psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Psychological Bulletin, 138(4), 655–691.
