Translating the behaviour change technique taxonomy version 1 into Spanish: Methodology and validation.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Precise specification of intervention content is crucial for knowledge accumulation and implementation.
• The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) is a widely used English-language standard for classifying behavior change techniques (BCTs).
• The lack of a Spanish translation limits the global adoption and application of BCTTv1.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the rigorous translation process of the BCTTv1 into Spanish.
• To provide a validated Spanish version of the BCTTv1 for researchers and practitioners.
• To enhance the detailed specification, synthesis, and replication of behavioral interventions in Spanish-speaking populations.

Main Methods:

• A bilingual team conducted a seven-step iterative translation process.
• Key steps included forward and back-translation, committee reviews, and empirical testing.
• Inter-coder reliability was assessed using prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa scores.

Main Results:

• The translation process involved refining BCT labels, definitions, and addressing inconsistencies.
• Empirical testing demonstrated very satisfactory inter-coder reliability (kappa > 0.8) for BCT identification.
• A final, validated Spanish version of the BCTTv1 was produced.

Conclusions:

• The validated Spanish BCTTv1 facilitates detailed intervention specification for research and practice.
• This translation supports evidence synthesis, comparison, and replication of interventions in Spanish-speaking contexts.
• The described translation methodology can inform future efforts in behavioral science and other fields.