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Development of a formal system for representing behaviour-change theories

Author

Listed:
  • Robert West

    (University College London)

  • Cristina A. Godinho

    (University College London
    Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL)

  • Lauren Connell Bohlen

    (University College London
    University of Rhode Island)

  • Rachel N. Carey

    (University College London
    Zinc)

  • Janna Hastings

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Carmen E. Lefevre

    (University College London
    Healthbridge Ltd)

  • Susan Michie

    (University College London)

Abstract

Use of natural language to represent behaviour-change theories has resulted in lack of clarity and consistency, hindering comparison, integration, development and use. This paper describes development of a formal system for representing behaviour-change theories that aims to improve clarity and consistency. A given theory is represented in terms of (1) its component constructs (for example, ‘self-efficacy’, ‘perceived threat’ or ‘subjective norm’), which are labelled and defined, and (2) relationships between pairs of constructs, which may be causal, structural or semantic. This formalism appears adequate to represent five commonly used theories (health belief model, information–motivation–behavioural skill model, social cognitive theory, theory of planned behaviour and the trans-theoretical model). Theory authors and experts judged that the system was able to capture the main propositions of the theories. Following this proof of concept, the next step is to assess how far the system can be applied to other theories of behaviour change.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert West & Cristina A. Godinho & Lauren Connell Bohlen & Rachel N. Carey & Janna Hastings & Carmen E. Lefevre & Susan Michie, 2019. "Development of a formal system for representing behaviour-change theories," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 3(5), pages 526-536, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:3:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1038_s41562-019-0561-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-019-0561-2
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    Cited by:

    1. Wenshuang Wei & Miao Zhang & Dan Zuo & Qinmei Li & Min Zhang & Xinguang Chen & Bin Yu & Qing Liu, 2022. "Screening Intention Prediction of Colorectal Cancer among Urban Chinese Based on the Protection Motivation Theory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Gourlan, Mathieu & Ricupero, Sarah & Carayol, Marion & Cousson-Gélie, Florence, 2023. "Efficacy of theory-based interventions aimed at reducing binge drinking in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 317(C).
    3. Hazel Squires & Michael P. Kelly & Nigel Gilbert & Falko Sniehotta & Robin C. Purshouse, 2023. "The long‐term effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of public health interventions; how can we model behavior? A review," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(12), pages 2836-2854, December.

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