Making sense of behaviour change theory: Problems, methods and applications

Abstract

This symposium aims to (i) present a body of work analysing 83 theories (1725 constructs) of behaviour change identified in a cross-disciplinary review, (ii) describe the nature and overlap of these theories and explore the potential to create an overarching theoretical framework to enhance theory development and application, (iii) consider a method for better reporting of theory, (iv) present a methodology for linking theoretical mechanisms of action with behaviour change techniques, and (v) promote discussion about future work to advance theoretical development and application. Theory seeks to summarise the accumulated knowledge about a particular area. It has an important role to play in guiding the development of interventions and in furthering our understanding of the mechanisms underlying effective interventions. There is a large number of behaviour change theories, but a lack of guidance as to how to apply theory to intervention development and evaluation. In order to facilitate theory selection, and reduce the variability with which theories are used and reported, we need to make sense of the array of behaviour change theories, which are both heterogeneous and overlapping. This symposium will present four papers outlining methods for making sense of these behaviour change theories. Susan Michie will describe the potential to create an overarching framework that synthesises theory, by analysing similarity between constructs across 83 theories of behaviour change. Robert West will introduce a method for improving the reporting of theory. Rachel Carey will present a study identifying and categorising the ‘mechanisms of action’ most frequently cited in behaviour change theories. Lauren Connell will describe the methods and preliminary findings of a study linking behaviour change techniques to their underlying theoretical mechanisms of action, using evidence synthesis. The discussant, Ralf Schwarzer, will consider the potential for applying this work to the development, evaluation and reporting of behaviour change interventions.