The Health Behavior Taxonomy: factors differentiating between clusters of health behaviors

Abstract

Background: The Health Behavior (HB) Taxonomy defines clusters of HBs based on lay perceptions. It includes two major domains, Physical and Psychosocial, composed of clusters and sub-clusters. The goal of the present study was to uncover differences between the clusters by comparing them across key constructs. Methods: 1956 participants judged HBs representing different clusters (12 overall) on 15 scales representing different constructs (e.g., perceived behavioral control, social support). Findings: Significant differences were found between clusters and sub-clusters. For example, compared to psychosocial HBs, physical behaviors were judged as more influential and under control, requiring less effort and yielding fewer non-health rewards. In the psychosocial domain, the 'work' sub-cluster had lower perceived behavioral control and higher effort levels compared to the 'relationships' and 'enjoyment & meaning' sub-clusters. In the physical domain, 'nutrition' was judged as requiring more effort and providing more non-health rewards, but lower on habit and engagement intentions, compared to the 'avoiding risks' and 'health maintenance' clusters. Discussion: The HB taxonomy depicts clusters that differ across constructs, thus validating the classification and indicating its underlying psychological reasoning.