Techniques for Behavour Change

Question 1

Define health behaviour

Answer 1

Activity taken to prevent disease or for detecting disease at an asymptomatic stage

Question 2

What 3 components of the COMB model are thought to influence behaviour change?

Answer 2

Capability
Opportunity
Motivation

Question 3

Summarise the main behaviour changing techniques used clinically

Answer 3

1. Self monitor - eg myfitnesspal
2. Motivational interviewing by a trained clinician
3. Implementation intentions - action plans
4. Incentives eg monetary

Question 4

With regard to the transtheoretical model, how does motivational interviewing influence the patient’s position in this model?

Answer 4

Motivational interviewing is useful for patients in the pre-contemplation and contemplation stage. Its effective in moving them into the preparation stage of the transtheoretical model

Question 5

Limitations of incentive focused behaviour changing techniques?

Answer 5

Poor maintenance/rapid extinction
Lack of generalisation (only affects behaviour targeted)
expensive

Question 6

Is it better to target multiple behaviours at the same time?

Answer 6

it is better to target 1-2 behaviours at any one point than trying to target multiple behaviours. Research has shown that the more we try to target at one time, the less change we see

Question 7

Are interventions that comprise more BCTs (behavior change techniques) effective?

Answer 7

Yes, to a degree

Moderately complex interventions combining a small number of techniques might be most useful

Question 8

What are implementation intentions?

Answer 8

a common technique used for behaviour change. Basically an action plan that makes individuals think of the conditions that would trigger the person to act more healthily:
IF it is friday 9am, THEN I will go for a run in the park