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The value and experience-based model of behaviour change (VEM-BC).
1Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Health Psychology Review
|May 26, 2026
Summary
New psychological models can promote lasting behavior change by focusing on positive experiences. The Value and Experience-based Model of Behaviour Change (VEM-BC) emphasizes affective experiences during behavior execution for healthier and sustainable choices.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Decision Science
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Societal challenges in health and sustainability are driven by human behavior.
- Unhealthy or harmful behaviors are often perceived as more attractive than alternatives.
- Initial experiences with new healthy behaviors may not be immediately pleasant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel psychological model for behavior change.
- To adapt the Value-based Choice Model of self-control for behavior change.
- To incorporate an experiential component into behavior change models.
Main Methods:
- Adapted the Value-based Choice Model by mapping concepts like attitudes and goals.
- Developed the Value and Experience-based Model of Behaviour Change (VEM-BC).
- Integrated insights from decision making, reinforcement learning, affective processing, self-control, and behavior change research.
Main Results:
- The VEM-BC model incorporates affective experiences during behavior execution.
- Positive affective experiences are crucial for long-term behavior change.
- The model offers a unified perspective and generates novel predictions.
Conclusions:
- Interventions should focus on creating positive experiences with target behaviors.
- The VEM-BC provides a framework for promoting lasting behavior change.
- Understanding the interplay of value and experience is key to behavior modification.
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