Academic Journal

Using the double diamond framework to co-create and evaluate '1TeamActive': A physical activity and well-being intervention for police workers and their families.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Using the double diamond framework to co-create and evaluate '1TeamActive': A physical activity and well-being intervention for police workers and their families.
Authors: Thomas O; Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK., Oliver H; Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK., Moll T; Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK., Willoughby K; TeamPolice, Tewkesbury, UK., Moss C; TeamPolice, Tewkesbury, UK.
Source: Applied psychology. Health and well-being [Appl Psychol Health Well Being] 2026 Aug; Vol. 18 (4), pp. e70197.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Blackwell Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101502957 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1758-0854 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17580854 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Appl Psychol Health Well Being Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Oxford : Blackwell
MeSH Terms: Police*/psychology , Exercise*/psychology , Family*/psychology , Occupational Stress*/therapy, Humans ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Psychological Well-Being ; Middle Aged ; Longitudinal Studies ; United Kingdom
Abstract: Police work can be stressful, negatively affecting well-being and familial relationships. But, the influence of family-based interventions on such outcomes is unknown. Using co-creation, we employed the 'Double Diamond' framework in four British police forces to develop, deliver and evaluate '1TeamActive' - a physical activity intervention for police workers and their families. Multiple stakeholders (Team Police UK, Sport England, four UK police forces, police workers and families) participated in four longitudinal research phases. In Phase 1, literature reviews 'Discovered' the stress impacts of policing (workers and families) and explored physical activity as a potential mitigator. In Phase 2, stakeholders 'Defined' an initial intervention plan, which was 'Developed' in Phase 3 to produce context-specific delivery. In Phase 4, a 12-week instructor-led physical activity intervention was 'Delivered' and evaluated. One hundred and two police workers and their families completed the intervention. Repeated Measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance (RM-MANOVA) indicated that physical activity, well-being and work-related variables improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention, Pillai's trace = .65, F(8, 59) = 13.71, p < .001. Evaluation interviews indicated participants' perceived positive individual and familial benefits from completing '1TeamActive'. Our findings provide novelty and rigour with respect to intervention development, and the feasibility and acceptability findings support the intervention's potential to improve selected outcomes. Controlled trials are needed to determine efficacy.
(© 2026 The Author(s). Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Association of Applied Psychology.)
References: Abdel Hadi, S., Mojzisch, A., Janurek, J., & Häusser, J. A. (2025). A challenge‐hindrance perspective on the relationship between job demands, self‐regulatory capacity, and employee physical activity. Work & Stress, 39(4), 353–368. https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2025.2468719.
Abdel Hadi, S., Mojzisch, A., Krumm, S., & Häusser, J. A. (2022). Day‐level relationships between work, physical activity, and well‐being: Testing the physical activity‐mediated demand‐control (pamDC) model. Work & Stress, 36(4), 355–376. https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2021.2002971.
Acquadro Maran, D., Zedda, M., & Varetto, A. (2018). Physical practice and wellness courses reduce distress and improve wellbeing in police officers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(4), 578. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040578.
Anshel, M. H., Umscheid, D., & Brinthaupt, T. M. (2013). Effect of a combined coping skills and wellness program on perceived stress and physical energy among police emergency dispatchers: An exploratory study. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 28(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-012-9110-x.
Booth, M. (2000). Assessment of physical activity: An international perspective. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71(Suppl 2), 114–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2000.11082794.
Bradley, E., Fayaz, S., Farish, C., & Coulson, M. (2023). Evaluation of physical health, mental wellbeing, and injury in a UK police firearms unit. Police Practice and Research, 24(2), 232–244. https://doi.org/10.1080/15614263.2022.2080066.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Sage.
Brodie, P. J., & Eppler, C. (2012). Exploration of perceived stressors, communication, and resilience in law‐enforcement couples. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 23(1), 20–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/08975353.2012.654082.
Buckingham, S. A., Morrissey, K., Williams, A. J., Price, L., & Harrison, J. (2020). The physical activity wearables in the police force (PAW‐force) study: Acceptability and impact. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09776-1.
Burke, R. J. (1993). Work‐family stress, conflict, coping and burnout in police officers. Stress Medicine, 9, 171–180. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2460090308.
Clements, A. J., Sharples, A., & Kinman, G. (2021). Identifying well‐being challenges and solutions in the police service: A world café approach. Police Journal, 94(2), 81–101. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X19898723.
Collins, K. A., Huffman, K. M., Wolever, R. Q., Smith, P. J., Siegler, I. C., Ross, L. M., Hauser, E. R., Jiang, R., Jakicic, J. M., Costa, P. T., & Kraus, W. E. (2022). Determinants of dropout from and variation in adherence to an exercise intervention: The STRRIDE randomized trials. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 7(1), e000190. https://doi.org/10.1249/tjx.0000000000000190.
Design Council. (2019). Framework for innovation. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/framework-for-innovation/.
Duncan, E., O'Cathain, A., Rousseau, N., Croot, L., Sworn, K., Thurner, K. M., Yardley, L., & Hoddinott, P. (2020). Guidance for reporting intervention development studies in health research (GUIDED): An evidence‐based consensus study. BMJ Open, 10, e033516. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033516.
Faul, F., Erdfelder, E., Lang, A. G., & Buchner, A. (2007). G* power 3: A flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behavior Research Methods, 39, 175–191. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03193146.
Fortier, M. S., Duda, J. L., Guerin, E., & Teixeria, P. J. (2012). Promoting physical activity: Development and testing of self‐determination theory‐based interventions. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-9-20.
Fortier, M. S., Sweet, S. N., O'Sullivan, T. L., & Williams, G. C. (2007). A self‐determination process model of physical activity adoption in the context of a randomized controlled trial. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 8, 741–757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2006.10.006.
Gavin, P., & Porter, C. N. (2024). Understanding the impact of organisational and operational stressors on the mental health of police officers in Ireland. Police Practice and Research, 26(1), 90–100. https://doi.org/10.1080/15614263.2024.2364247.
Gerber, M., Kellmann, M., Hartmann, T., & Pühse, U. (2010). Do exercise and fitness buffer against stress among Swiss police and emergency response service officers? Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 11(4), 286–294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2010.02.004.
Hesketh, I., & Williams, E. (2017). A new canteen culture: The potential to use social media as evidence in policing. Policing, 11(3), 346–355. https://doi.org/10.1093/police/pax025.
Hoffmann, T. C., Glasziou, P. P., Boutron, I., Milne, R., Perera, R., Moher, D., Altman, D. G., Barbour, V., Macdonald, H., Johnston, M., Kadoorie, S. E. L., Dixon‐Woods, M., McCulloch, P., Wyatt, J. C., Phelan, A. W. C., & Michie, S. (2014). Better reporting of interventions: Template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. BMJ (Online), 348(March), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g1687.
Home Office. (2019). The Front Line Review ‐ Recommendation Report (Issue July). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment&#95;data/file/815791/FLR&#95;Recommendations&#95;report&#95;sent&#95;V2.pdf.
Home Office. (2022). Police Covenant. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/police-covenant.
Hopewell, S., Chan, A., Collins, G., Hróbjartsson, A., Moher, D., Schulz, K., Tunn, R., Aggarwal, R., Berkwits, M., Berlin, J., Bhandari, N., Butcher, N., Campbell, M., C, R. C. W., Elbourne, D., Farmer, A., Fergusson, D., Golub, R., Goodman, S., … Boutron, I. (2025). CONSORT 2025 statement: Updated guideline for reporting randomised trials. Lancet, 405(10489), 1633–1640.
Houdmont, J., & Elliott‐Davies, M. (2016). Police Federation of England and Wales 2016 Officer Demand, Capacity, and Welfare Survey. 133. http://www.polfed.org/documents/welfaresurvey2016-PFEWDescriptiveResultsReportv3.0.pdf.
Jones, J., Turner, M., & Barker, J. (2020). The effects of a cognitive‐behavioural stress intervention on the motivation and psychological wellbeing of senior UK police personnel. International Journal of Stress Management, 28(1), 46–60. https://doi.org/10.1037/str0000218.
Karaffa, K., Openshaw, L., Koch, J., Clark, H., Harr, C., & Stewart, C. (2015). Perceived impact of police work on marital relationships. The Family Journal, 23(2), 120–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480714564381.
Kraus, W. E., Torgan, C. E., Duscha, B. D., Norris, J., Brown, S. A., Cobb, F. R., Bales, C. W., Annex, B. H., Samsa, G. P., Houmard, J. A., & Slentz, C. A. (2001). Studies of a targeted risk reduction intervention through defined exercise (STRRIDE). Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 33(10), 1774–1784. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200110000-00025.
Lakens, D. (2022). Sample size justification. Collabra: Psychology, 8(1), 33267. https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.33267.
Lerner, D., Amick, B. C. 3rd, Rogers, W. H., Malspeis, S., Bungay, K., & Cynn, D. (2001). The work limitations questionnaire. Medical Care, 39(1), 72–85. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005650-200101000-00009.
Linke, S. E., Gallo, L. C., & Norman, G. J. (2011). Attrition and adherence rates of sustained vs. intermittent exercise interventions. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 42(2), 197–209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-011-9279-8.
Marsden, E., & Torgerson, C. J. (2012). Single group, pre‐ and post‐test research designs: Some methodological concerns. Oxford Review of Education, 38(5), 583–616. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2012.731208.
McCraty, R., & Atkinson, M. (2012). Resilience training program reduces physiological and psychological stress in police officers. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 1(5), 44–66. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.013.
McQuerrey Tuttle, B., Giano, Z., & Merten, M. J. (2018). Stress spillover in policing and negative relationship functioning for law enforcement marriages. The Family Journal, 26(2), 246–252. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480718775739.
Oliver, H. (2022). A co‐design approach to exploring physical activity, stress, and wellbeing in two British police forces.
Oliver, H., Thomas, O., Copeland, R. J., Hesketh, I., Jukes, M., Chadd, K., & Rocca, M. (2022). Proof of concept and feasibility of the app‐based ‘#SWPMoveMore challenge’: Impacts on physical activity and well‐being in a police population. Police Journal, 95(1), 170–189. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X211024690.
Oliver, H., Thomas, O., Neil, R., Copeland, R. J., & Moll, T. (2023). Physical activity, stress and wellbeing in the police: A literature review. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/usxga.
Oliver, H., Thomas, O., Neil, R., Copeland, R. J., Moll, T., Chadd, K., Jukes, M. J., & Quartermaine, A. (2024). A longitudinal study combining the Double Diamond framework and Behavior Change Wheel to co‐create a sedentary behavior intervention in police control rooms. Journal of Public Health, 46(3), 419–429. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdae061.
Oliver, H., Thomas, O., Neil, R., Moll, T., & Copeland, R. J. (2022). Stress and psychological wellbeing in British police force officers and staff. Current Psychology, 42, 29291–29304. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03903-4.
Papazoglou, K., & Tuttle, B. M. Q. (2018). Fighting police trauma: Practical approaches to addressing psychological needs of officers. SAGE Open, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018794794.
Phythian, R., Birdsall, N., Kirby, S., Cooper, E., Posner, Z., & Boulton, L. (2021). Organisational and individual perspectives of police wellbeing in England and Wales. The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles, 96(1), 128–152. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032258x211052250.
Phythian, R., Birdsall, N., Kirby, S., Cooper, E., Posner, Z., & Boulton, L. (2022). Developments in UK police wellbeing: A review of blue light wellbeing frameworks. Police Journal, 95(1), 24–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X211073003.
Poirier, S., Allard‐Gaudreau, N., Gendron, P., Houle, J., & Trudeau, F. (2023). Health, safety, and wellness concerns among law enforcement officers: An inductive approach. Workplace Health & Safety, 71(1), 34–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/21650799221134422.
Quested, E., Kritz, M., Hancox, J., Ntoumanis, N., & Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C. (2021). Promoting self‐determined motivation for physical activity: From theory to intervention work. In Essentials of exercise and sport psychology: An open access textbook (pp. 37–61). https://doi.org/10.51224/b1003.
Roswag, M., Abdel Hadi, S., Häusser, J. A., & Mojzisch, A. (2023). Running toward my challenges: Day‐level effects of physical activity before work on appraisal of the upcoming workday and employee well‐being. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 28(5), 310–324. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000360.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self‐determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development and well‐being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
Sharp, M. L., Solomon, N., Harrison, V., Gribble, R., Cramm, H., Pike, G., & Fear, N. T. (2022). The mental health and wellbeing of spouses, partners and children of emergency responders: A systematic review. PLoS ONE, 17(6 June), e0269659. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269659.
Skivington, K., Matthews, L., Simpson, S. A., Craig, P., Baird, J., Blazeby, J. M., & Moore, L. (2021). A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions: Update of Medical Research Council guidance. British Medical Journal, 374, n2061. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n2061.
Smith, B., Williams, O., Bone, L., & Collective, the M. S. W. C. production. (2022). Co‐production: A resource to guide co‐producing research in the sport, exercise, and health sciences. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 15(2), 159–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2022.2052946.
Sonnentag, S., Cheng, B. H., & Parker, S. L. (2022). Recovery from work: Advancing the field toward the future. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 9, 33–60. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012420-091355.
Sonnentag, S., & Jelden, S. (2009). Job stressors and the pursuit of sport activities: A day‐level perspective. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 14, 165–181. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014953.
Sport England. (2009). Sport England: About Us. Available from https://www.sportengland.org/about-us#campaignsandourwork-17900.
Sport England. (2025). Active Lives Survey. Available from: https://www.sportengland.org/research-and-data/data/active-lives?section=measures.
TeamPolice. (2023). 1TeamActive. https://www.teampolice.uk/1teamactive/.
Teixeira, P. J., Carraça, E. V., Markland, D., Silva, M. N., & Ryan, R. M. (2012). Exercise, physical activity, and self‐determination theory: A systematic review. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9, 1–78. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-9-78.
Tennant, R., Hiller, L., Fishwick, R., Platt, S., Joseph, S., Weich, S., Parkinson, J., Secker, J., & Stewart‐Brown, S. (2007). The Warwick‐Edinburgh mental well‐being scale (WEMWBS): Development and UK validation. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 5, 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-5-63.
Van der Heijden, G. J., Donders, A. R. T., Stijnen, T., & Moons, K. G. (2006). Imputation of missing values is superior to complete case analysis and the missing‐indicator method in multivariable diagnostic research: A clinical example. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 59(10), 1102–1109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2006.01.015.
Vargas, C., Whelan, J., Brimblecombe, J., & Allender, S. (2022). Co‐creation, co‐design and co‐production for public health: A perspective on definitions and distinctions. Public Health Research & Practice, 32(June), 1–7.
Wiese, C. W., Kuykendall, L., & Tay, L. (2018). Get active? A meta‐analysis of leisure‐time physical activity and subjective well‐being. Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(1), 57–66. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2017.1374436.
Wilson, P. M., W. T. Rogers, W. M. Rodgers, and T. C. Wild. 2006. “The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale.” Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology 28: 231–251. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.28.3.231.
Zhang, Z., & Chen, W. (2019). A systematic review of measures for psychological well‐being in physical activity studies and identification of critical issues. Journal of Affective Disorders, 256(June), 473–485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.024.
Grant Information: URN 2020021411 Sport England under their Families Fund
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: family; physical activity; police; psychological well‐being; work stress
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260801 Date Completed: 20260801 Latest Revision: 20260803
Update Code: 20260804
PubMed Central ID: PMC13428052
DOI: 10.1111/aphw.70197
PMID: 42538612
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1758-0854
DOI:10.1111/aphw.70197