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Investigating theoretical explanations for behaviour change: the case study of ProActive
Susan Michie1, Wendy Hardeman, Tom Fanshawe
1a Department of Psychology , University College London , 1-19 Torrington Place , London WC1E 7HB , UK.
Psychology & Health
|August 28, 2014
Summary
Understanding behavior change mechanisms is key for effective interventions. This study found a mismatch between the intended theory, delivered techniques, and participant reception in a physical activity trial.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Health psychology
- Intervention science
Background:
- Effective behavioral interventions rely on understanding behavior change mechanisms.
- Rigorous testing of the theoretical underpinnings of interventions is crucial.
- The ProActive trial aimed to increase physical activity in individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the delivery and theoretical basis of an intervention protocol.
- To examine the alignment between intervention theory, delivered techniques, and participant engagement.
- To provide a method for evaluating the theoretical fidelity of behavioral interventions.
Main Methods:
- Assessed facilitator behaviors against four guiding theories and participant behaviors against 17 theoretical components.
- Mapped intervention techniques to Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Self-Regulation Theory (SRT), Operant Learning Theory (OLT), and Relapse Prevention Theory (RPT).
- Analyzed participant talk to determine its theoretical classification.
Main Results:
- The intervention's delivered theory differed from its protocol and participant reception.
- Delivered techniques comprised 25% TPB, 42% SRT, 24% OLT, and 9% RPT.
- Participant talk showed 48% OLT, 21% TPB, 31% SRT, and 0% RPT, indicating a different theoretical focus.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrates a method for assessing the theoretical fidelity of behavioral interventions.
- Highlights discrepancies between intervention design, delivery, and participant interpretation.
- Suggests that the received theoretical components may differ significantly from those intended by the protocol.
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