Techniques of Behaviour change

Question 1

State what a behaviour change technique is, distinguishing it form an intervention?

Answer 1

A systematic strategy used in an attempt to change behaviour.
Multiple different techniques can come under a single intervention (which is more general)

Question 2

How are BCTs organised?

Answer 2

Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy - 93 hierarchically clustered techniques

Question 3

Give a few examples of behaviour change techniques?

Answer 3

• Providing information on consequences
• Prompting specific goal setting
• Prompting barrier identification
• (role) Modelling the behaviour
• Planning social support

Question 4

Of the specific BCTs, which appears to be most effective?

Answer 4

Self-monitoring - An individual keeping a record of target behaviours

Note that it is time-consuming over the long term

Question 5

State and describe another effective BCT

Answer 5

Motivational interviewing

= A person-centred counselling style for addressing the common problem; tailor intervention to individual’s readiness to change.

Question 6

How do we choose a BCT for a patient (5 steps)?

Answer 6

1. Behavioural target specification
2. Behavioural diagnosis (everything about the patient, their situation and their behaviours - use COM-B)
3. Intervention strategy selection
4. Implementation strategy selection (specific form of the intervention strategy)
5. Selection of specific BCTs

Question 7

How is ‘Intervention strategy selection’ carried out?

Answer 7

The COM-B model forms the hub of a behaviour change wheel around which are positioned nine intervention functions and seven categories of policy.
So, based on the patients C/O/M status, you can choose the most effective intervention function.

Question 8

Implementation intentions - how do they work in increasing likelihood of a behaviour to be enacted?

Answer 8

By planning in advance the situation in which an individual will act, cues become particularly accessible
Strengthening connection between good situation to act and a suitable action

Question 9

Describe the effectiveness of using incentives (positive reinforcement) as an intervention function (i.e. pros vs cons)

Answer 9

• Cost-effective
• Raise awareness
• Bring individuals into contact with health services allowing earlier screening and treatment of illness (thus preventing disease)

BUT

• Lack of generalisation (behaviour specific).
• Poor maintenance (rapid extinction of the desired behaviour once the reinforcer disappears)
• Impractical + expensive

Question 10

Is it better to change multiple behaviours at one time?

Answer 10

Targeting multiple behaviours at the same time may lead to greater overall change but individual behaviour changes may be diminished

Question 11

Are interventions that comprise more BCTs effective?

Answer 11

Yes, to a degree

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

Question 12

Does tailoring educational materials to individual result in larger changes?

Answer 12

Yes