Determinants and strategies of self-reported habit degradation: an intensive longitudinal study

Unhealthy habits can pose barriers to health behaviour maintenance, yet little is known about determinants or strategies of habit degradation. We explore the role of person-, cue-, and behaviour related determinants, alongside different habit degradation strategies using implementation intentions (II) for habit degradation.

Adults (N = 194; 75% female; mean age 41) formed IIs for self-selected strategies (substitution, inhibition or cue discontinuity) to degrade a habit (related to sedentary behaviour, unhealthy snacking, alcohol use, or smoking) over 12 wk. Daily diaries assessed habit strength using the Self-Report Behavioural Automaticity Index and its determinants. II characteristics were qualitatively coded. Linear regression and multilevel modelling tested predictors of habit strength.

Substitution was the most common strategy. Habit strength was greater on days with cue-encounter and lower on days with non-performance of habitual behaviour and higher-than-average reward for reducing habitual behaviour. Stress and intention were significant in some models. No significant associations were found for strategy type or II characteristics.

Non-performance of the habitual behaviour and reward emerged as determinants of habit degradation, while encountering habitual cues might counteract degradation efforts. Although strategies did not differ in degrading habit, preference for substitution may reflect higher feasibility.