Module 1
  Definitions and Concepts

Content Discussion

Supports and Barriers

Your ideas above about desired changes are sure to be good ones. However, if there were adequate supports and insignificant barriers, they may well have happened already. Thus, it makes sense to see what might be in the way.

The following diagram, Figure 8.2, Analysis, allows you to identify those things that facilitate (support) the desired change and those which oppose the change (barriers). We have also organized the table so you can consider things closest to you as well as those more distant (albeit powerful) forces.

Figure 8.2 uses the methodology of Force Field Analysis. You are also being asked to consider internal and external environments. This approach is very common to situational analyses, an important part of strategic and other planning. You can learn more about this approach at: http://www.thcu.ca/infoandresources/presentations/ PlanningSlidesForWebOct2003.pdf

This action step involves simply listing supports and barriers. That is, list the things that support, drive, and carry you closer to your ideal health promotion practice. At the same time, list the barriers, things that restrain/limit your progress. Obviously, the more supports you have, and the stronger they are, the more progress you will make, the closer you will come to the ideal. At the same time, reducing the number and/or strength of the barriers will allow you greater, quicker and easier progress.

In listing supports and barriers, you may want to consider a whole range of things. These will include things within you as a learner and doer - these are the things closest to you and most under your control. But also consider things within your project team, your organization, your community, and the world-at-large.

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