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Assessing Connections Between Behavior Change Theories Using Network Analysis

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

A cross-disciplinary scoping review identified 83 of behavior change theories, with many similarities and overlapping constructs. Investigating the derivation of these theories may provide further understanding of their contribution and intended application.

Purpose

To develop and apply a method to describe the explicit derivation of theories of behavior change.

Methods

A network analysis of the explicit “contributing to” relations between the 83 theories was conducted. Identification of relations involved textual analysis of primary theory sources.

Findings

One hundred and twenty-two connections between the theories were identified amounting to 1.8 % of the number possible. On average, theories contributed to one or two theories (mean = 1.47 ± 3.69 contributions) and were informed by one or two theories (mean = 1.47 ± 1.61 contributing theories).

Discussion

Most behavior change theories appear to be explicitly informed by few prior theories. If confirmed, this suggests a considerable dislocation between generations of theories which would be expected to undermine scientific progress.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Kate Sheals for compiling the primary theory sources used for data extraction. Thanks also go to the following data extractors: Araf Khaled, Samantha Lawes, Sara Mathieu, David Morris, Victoria Nelson, and Emma Norris.

Funding

HG is supported by a Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Postdoctoral Fellowship. This work was partially funded by the Medical Research Council through its Population Health Science Research Collaboration (grant PHSRN10).

Authors’ Statement of Conflict of Interest and Adherence to Ethical Standards

Authors Gainforth, West, and Michie declare that they have no conflict of interest. Of note, HG, RW, and SM are authors of the book ABC of Behavior Change Theories. Human experimentation was not conducted; therefore, ethical clearance was not required.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), University College London, London, UK

    Heather L. Gainforth Ph.D. & Susan Michie Ph.D.

  2. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK

    Robert West Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Heather L. Gainforth Ph.D.
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  2. Robert West Ph.D.
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  3. Susan Michie Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Heather L. Gainforth Ph.D..

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Gainforth, H.L., West, R. & Michie, S. Assessing Connections Between Behavior Change Theories Using Network Analysis. ann. behav. med. 49, 754–761 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-015-9710-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-015-9710-7

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