Forming a habit in a novel behaviour: the role of cues to action and self-monitoring

Abstract

Background: Habit formation occurs when behaviour is practiced consistently in the same context over time. Initially, a cue to action is needed to trigger behaviour, but after time behaviour will be initiated without conscious processing of this cue- at this point behaviour has become habitual. Our previous research demonstrated that habits can be developed over a period of 33 days. However, it is not clear whether monitoring or cue response was most important. Objectives: To determine whether a cue to action or self-monitoring are both necessary in forming a novel habit. Methods: A 2 (cue vs. no cue) by 3 (irrelevant habit monitoring vs. habit monitoring vs. behaviour monitoring) design was used. Participants (N=135) were provided with study materials and told to engage in the behaviour every day. Participants completed outcome variables of behaviour and habit strength before and after the habit formation period and one week after habit formation period had ceased. Findings: Analyses revealed a significant main effect of time for both habit strength, F(2,100) = 180.775, p < .001, eta2 = .783, and behaviour, F(2,125) = 454.563, p < .001, eta2 = .879, such that all conditions improved on habit strength and behaviour over time. There were no significant main effects of cue or monitoring, or the interactions between these variables and time. Discussion: This is the first study to explore whether both cues to action and self-monitoring are needed to form a habit. This has important implications for habit formation theory and interventions based on theory.