Beyond the cross-section: Rethinking the intention-behaviour gap through a conceptual and methodological lens

Area of Science:

• Health Psychology
• Behavioural Science
• Intervention Science

Background:

• The intention-behaviour gap (IBG) is a significant challenge, where intentions often do not lead to desired actions.
• Existing models inadequately capture the dynamic and contextual nature of behaviour.
• Between-person research designs limit understanding of individual behaviour over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critically evaluate dominant models of the intention-behaviour gap.
• Propose a dynamic, multidimensional reconceptualization of intention-behaviour processes.
• Highlight limitations of current theoretical frameworks and methodological constraints.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual review of existing intention-behaviour gap models.
• Critical evaluation of the Explained Variance Approach and Action Control Framework.
• Emphasis on methodological constraints of between-person designs.

Main Results:

• Identified theoretical and empirical limitations in current IBG models.
• Current models fail to account for intra-individual variability and situational factors.
• Proposed a new framework emphasizing intensive longitudinal and within-person assessments.

Conclusions:

• Future research must integrate dynamic methodologies and real-time interventions.
• Context-sensitive strategies like just-in-time adaptive interventions are crucial.
• Reconceptualization offers a path to more precise theory and effective health behaviour interventions.