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Exploring the question-behaviour effect: randomized controlled trial of motivational and question-behaviour
Karen Ayres1, Mark Conner, Andrew Prestwich
1University of Leeds, UK.
British Journal of Health Psychology
|April 24, 2012
Summary
Combining motivational interventions with the question-behaviour effect (QBE) significantly increased health plan uptake in at-risk individuals. This combined approach, unlike individual interventions, demonstrated a substantial boost in health behavior engagement.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- The question-behaviour effect (QBE) suggests that asking about a behavior can increase its performance.
- Previous research indicates motivation may moderate the QBE, but this has not been directly tested.
- Understanding how to enhance behavior change interventions is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the combined efficacy of a motivational intervention and a QBE manipulation on health behavior.
- To investigate the interaction between motivation and QBE in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
- To examine the role of personal risk information and intention measurement in behavior change.
Main Methods:
- A 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial was conducted with individuals having elevated cholesterol.
- Participants were assigned to: motivational intervention + QBE, motivational intervention only, QBE only, or a control group.
- Behavior was objectively measured by uptake of a personalized health plan.
Main Results:
- Neither motivational nor QBE interventions alone significantly increased health plan uptake.
- A significant interaction was found, with the combined intervention yielding higher uptake (96.2%) than the other groups (80.3%).
- The combined approach demonstrated a significant increase in behavior compared to individual components.
Conclusions:
- Motivation is critical for observing the question-behaviour effect.
- Combining motivational strategies with QBE interventions can significantly enhance health behavior.
- This study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the QBE and its practical application.
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