Applying Behavioral Theories to Change Behavior

The provided content emphasizes the importance of considering local and national context, working in partnership with recipients, and developing behavioral interventions that are tailored to a particular community. It also highlights the need for individuals to equip practitioners with the required skills and competencies to support behavior change. Additionally, it stresses the importance of applying different behavioral theories and techniques effectively to achieve day-to-day behavior change.

Running Head: Nudges and Behavior Change
psychology
NUDGES AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE

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Table of Contents
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Theories, Techniques and Models of Behavior Change..................................................................2
1. The theory of reasoned action and the planned behavior.....................................................2
2. The health belief model........................................................................................................3
3. Trans-theoretical model........................................................................................................4
4. The social psychological theory...........................................................................................5
5. The learning and the behavior theory...................................................................................6
Role of Technology in Supporting Behavior Change......................................................................7
Systematic Design Processes to Create Effective Change Interventions........................................8
Ability to Design, Develop and Application of Behavior Change Interventions to Real-World
Scenarios and the Challenges........................................................................................................10
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
Recommendations..........................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14
APPENDICES...............................................................................................................................16

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Executive Summary
This paper presents different theories, techniques, and models of behavior change which provide
significant information and summarize some of the cross-cutting themes and central elements of
the behavior change. Different theories and models of the behavior change reviewed under the
human behavior and social science discipline. On the other hand role of technology also studied
to support the behavior change. This will help human beings in understanding the systematic
approaches of behavior change interventions which further helps them in applying their behavior
to their real world challenges.
Introduction
It has been observed that the behavior contributes to the present morbidity and the mortality. The
changes interventions of the behavior are significant in the prevention. The change interventions
of the behavior are mainly complicated, and it comprises the various components. Further,
according to the reports, it has been observed that the change interventions of the behavior are
effective, but people do not understand appropriately that the effectiveness is being defined as
the variable. The theories and the techniques which are ineffective are being used more by the
individuals as compared to the effective theories, and the techniques are not used adequately.
Moreover, the effective techniques, theories and the models of behavior change are being
discussed along with the role of technology in order to support the change of behavior.
Furthermore, systematic design processes will be discussed in order to create the effective
interventions of change. Also, the ability to design, develop and further the application of the
change interventions of the behavior to the scenarios of real-world will be discussed along with
the various challenges.

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Theories, Techniques, and Models of Behavior Change
1. The theory of reasoned action and the planned behavior
This theory is one of the most broadly applied theories of behavior. The theory acts as the
behavior’s predictor. Further, the theory is used in order to predict the behavior and analyze the
behavior. It has been observed that the theory can augur around 30 percent of the behavior's
variance that is being brought through interventions (Montano, D. E., & Kasprzyk, D. 2015).
Moreover, as the theory helps in predicting the behavior, it is a great technique in order to unfold
the specific influences which are required to be changed. Further, the theory can be used in order
to understand the behavior of an individual like what is their intention behind the particular act to
which they react. The figure given below will help in understanding that how the theory can be
applied in orders to understand the factors of the behavior which are required to be changed.

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Figure 1 Application of reasoned action and planned behavior theory
2. The health belief model
This is the model of cognition which demonstrates that the behavior is being arbitrated by the
numerous beliefs in relation to the threat to the well-being of an individual along with the
outcomes and the effectiveness of specific behavior and the actions. The theory also follows the
self-efficacy concept along with the action's beliefs. Further, the beliefs are incremented by the
stimuli which are considered as action cues that trigger the adaptation of the behavior. The
theory helps in identifying the perceived vulnerability and the susceptibility of the individual and
the seriousness of the consequences which might result in the outcome. The theory is being used
in order to identify the intention of behavior which is being perceived from the threat and the
behavior’s effectiveness (Cummings, T. G., & Worley, C. G. 2014).

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Figure 2 Application of health belief model
3. Trans-theoretical model
This theory is also known as the stages of change, and it is based on the levels of readiness of
motivation along with the continuum of the change of behavior. Further, the rationale of this
model is that the persons at the same level of the stage might face similar barriers and the
problems and this theory helps them by the similar type of intervention. Moreover, the transition
among the stages of change can be driven by a balance of the decision and the self-efficacy.
Therefore, the theory can be applied adequately when an individual will face the various
challenges at various levels.

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Figure 3 Application of trans-theoretical model
4. The social psychological theory
This type of behavior change theory is mainly interested in understanding that how the various
experiences and the events external to an individual, for example, the aspects of the physical
environment and the various distinct situations persuade the behavior of an individual.
Furthermore, the stress is being placed on the various attributes of the social content in which the
behavior takes place along with the distinct expectations and the norms of the society, cohesion,
stereotypes, dynamics, beliefs and the attitudes (Michie, S., & West, R. 2013). Moreover, the
theory can be applied adequately in order to know and identify the different aspects of the
behavior and why people give such reactions.

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Figure 4 Application of social psychological theory
5. The learning and the behavior theory
This theory helps in demonstrating that the behavior can be transformed by offering incentives,
rewards, etc. at the workplace. Further, such type of rewards is being incorporated in the
structured schedules of the reinforcement, and the procedure of changes in the behavior is known
as the modification in behavior. Furthermore, this type of theory applies external control of great
level over social and the physical environment which is being utilized to reinforce the particular
behavior (Hagger, M. S., & Chatzisarantis, N. L. 2014). Therefore, the theory is applied
adequately in order to understand that to what extent an individual is being influenced by the
aspects of the physical and the social environment.

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Figure 5 Application of learning and the behavior theory
Role of Technology in Supporting Behavior Change
According to the various theorists, the role of the technology is being considered and appreciated
for the practical and the scientific reasons. Further, it is very important for the change
interventions of the behavior create a sound basis for the science. The technology is required to
offer the effective and the impactful interventions along with the guidance in order to ensure that
the interventions are being used effectively. Moreover, the behavior is being measured and
defined as the intervention’s outcome as compared to various other results. It has been observed
that the behavior change requires the reliable technology along with the theory. The technology
plays the significant role in the change interventions of the behavior effectively.
The future and the contemporary technology will keep offering various opportunities in order to
develop distinct kinds of the applications of software for the change of the behavior and further

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supports the change in the positive and the effective way (Oinas-Kukkonen, H. 2013). Further, it
is important for the developers of the software and the users in order to be aware of the
approaches and the applications of the technology or the software in order to use them efficiently
for the purpose of behavior change. The computer science helps in understanding the behaviors
of the individual that are being influenced by the technology towards the change interventions. If
we take an example of the workplace, then we can clearly understand that technology does not
have their intention and the management of the workplace plays a crucial role in influencing the
behavior like by giving authority to the employees to handle the software or giving them the
access in order to operate, etc.
The approach of autogenously is being used by the individuals in which they use the technology
in order to change their behavior and the attitude by developing their own level of motivation.
Therefore, the technology plays an essential role in supporting the change interventions of the
behavior positively and effectively.
Systematic Design Processes to Create Effective Change Interventions
According to the theorists, there are various design processes in order to develop the change
interventions, but the COM-B is the most effective systematic design for the change
interventions. The framework helps in understanding the framework in depth. Further the causal
connection in the system works in order to amplify and minimize the impact of the specific
interventions resulting to changes in the behavior. The framework offers a basis to create change
interventions in order to change the behavior. Furthermore, if the framework is applied to the
design of the intervention, then the task will include the target of the behavior and the

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components which will be required by the system for the purpose of change interventions of
behavior.
Moreover, the system does not place any priority on the perception of the group, individual and
the environment. The external and the internal factors have the equivalent status in order to
control and further change the behavior (Larsen et al., 2016). The system helps in understanding
that what are the components required for the process of change intervention and what will be
the effect of such components on the individuals after the completion of the process of change
interventions. For example, while targeting the individual trait of the behavior, the barrier will be
capability, and in order to overcome the challenge, the opportunity and the motivation are
required to a great extent.
The behavior is being generated by the three aspects and further it is possible to create sub-
divisions which will capture the significant information about the traits of the behavior. This
framework helps in differentiating between the psychological and the physical capability in order
to create an effective change intervention of behavior. Further, it is being observed that the two
types of opportunities i.e. social and the physical are being afforded by the milieu of the culture
and the environment respectively. Moreover, in respect to the motivation, the reflective and the
automatic procedures are being differentiated which further involves impulses and the emotions
from the dispositions of the innate. The figure given below helps in understanding the systematic
design process of COM-B.

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Figure 6 COM-B framework
Ability to Design, Develop and Application of Behavior Change Interventions
to Real-World Scenarios and the Challenges
In today scenario, adults and children both face different behavioral challenges. Children with
behavioral disorders have high rates of comorbidity. Such type of children becomes very difficult
to manage for parents as well as for their parents. On the other hand, it can be said that behavior
change interventions play an important role in changing the real world scenarios. Behavioral
problems and challenges in adults and children can easily solve by using an integrative
theoretical framework (Smits, 2016). With the help of integrative framework, one can easily
utilize a wide range of behavioral theories to solve their day to day problems and challenges.
Moreover, behavioral challenges can easily resolve by taking a systematic approach towards
intervention design. In this context, individuals firstly need to diagnose their own target behavior
in different situations. This will help them in recognizing and evaluating their own behavior in
different circumstances. After identifying their target behavior, individuals need to make a

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behavioral diagnosis. This will help them in measuring their current behavior as well as standard
behavior. After following both the steps, they need to design a behavioral intervention which
completely based on their behavioral diagnosis (Michie, 2013). With the help of such developed
behavioral intervention they able to behave in a standard manner as defined by themselves.
In addition, behavior change wheel plays an important role in designing behavior change
interventions. It helps the individuals by providing them a systematic method for designing
interventions to change behavior. It works an effective manner. With the help of behavior change
wheel, one can synthesize 18 behavior change links and frameworks policies and interventions to
a theoretical measurement of target behavior (Lyons, 2014). Behavior change interventions can
successfully apply by individuals on their real world scenarios by following below-mentioned
steps:
 Identify the Problem: If the motive of the people is to change the target behavior, they
need to collect information about the problem in existing behavior. This will give them
significant information about why they require a change in their present behavior (Ogden,
2016).
 Review the Evidence: It is a responsibility of service provider to review the existing
evidence of change in behavior. This review helps them in planning different activities
that helpful in achieving intended behavior change. Evidence helps individuals to
understand the correct process by which they can suitably change their behavior.
 Draw a logic model: After reviewing the evidence, they should create a logic model
which helps them in performing planned activities in an effective manner.

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Following all such steps help individuals to develop suitable behavior interventions for bringing
change in their own behavior (Kratochwill, 2013). After following all steps, one can successfully
measure apply the behavioral interventions in their day to day schedule.
Conclusion
After studying all this, it can be concluded that behavioral interventions play an important role in
changes behavior of an individual. Different types of behavioral theories work as behavior
predictors which helpful in measuring the ultimate behavior of individuals. Behavioral theories
significantly prove helpful in measuring behavior intentions of individuals. On the other hand, it
can be concluded that the behavior is being arbitrated by different beliefs in relation to the threat
to the well-being of an individual as well as its outcomes and effectiveness on a particular action
(Goodwin, 2015). In addition, the behavior of an individual can also transform by offering
rewards, and various other incentives at the workplaces. Thus, it can be said that behavioral
theories and techniques help individuals in applying their external control of great level over the
physical and social environment which is being utilized to reinforce their particular behavior.
Furthermore, it can be said that technology plays an effective role in supporting behavior change
of individuals. Technology proves helpful due to its practical and scientific nature (Elrouby,
2016). Scientific and practical nature of technology considers important for the change
interventions of the behavior. It is because with the help of technology individuals can create the
sound basis of science in their behavior interventions.

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Recommendations
It can be suggested to individuals that they should plan interventions and programs carefully to
change their behavior. Apart of this, they should consider local and national context and work in
partnership with recipients. This will help them in applying the different behavioral theories and
techniques effectively on their day to day behavior (Patel, 2015). On the other hand, they should
develop behavior interventions and programs by considering the requirements of the community.
This will help them in building their skills and knowledge within a particular community.
Another thing that should perform by individuals is that they should equip practitioners with the
required skills and competencies to support behavior change. Following all these things helps
them in make changes in different behavioral interventions.

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REFERENCES
Cummings, T. G., & Worley, C. G. (2014). Organization development and change. Cengage
learning.
Hagger, M. S., & Chatzisarantis, N. L. (2014). An integrated behavior change model for physical
activity. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 42(2), 62-69.
Larsen, K. R., Michie, S., Hekler, E. B., Gibson, B., Spruijt-Metz, D., Ahern, D., ... & Yi, J.
(2016). Behavior change interventions: the potential of ontologies for advancing science and
practice. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 1-17.
Michie, S., & West, R. (2013). Behaviour change theory and evidence: a presentation to
Government. Health Psychology Review, 7(1), 1-22.
Montano, D. E., & Kasprzyk, D. (2015). Theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior,
and the integrated behavioral model. Health behavior: Theory, research and practice.
Oinas-Kukkonen, H. (2013). A foundation for the study of behavior change support
systems. Personal and ubiquitous computing, 17(6), 1223-1235.
Smits, S., McCutchan, G., Wood, F., Edwards, A., Lewis, I., Robling, M., ... & Brain, K. (2016).
Development of a Behavior Change Intervention to Encourage Timely Cancer Symptom
Presentation Among People Living in Deprived Communities Using the Behavior Change
Wheel. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 1-15.
Michie, S., Richardson, M., Johnston, M., Abraham, C., Francis, J., Hardeman, W., ... & Wood,
C. E. (2013). The behavior change technique taxonomy (v1) of 93 hierarchically clustered

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techniques: building an international consensus for the reporting of behavior change
interventions. Annals of behavioral medicine, 46(1), 81-95.
Ogden, J. (2016). Celebrating variability and a call to limit systematisation: the example of the
Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy and the Behaviour Change Wheel. Health psychology
review, (just-accepted), 1-14.
Goodwin, N. J., O'Farrell, S. E., Jagoe, K., Rouse, J., Roma, E., Biran, A., & Finkelstein, E. A.
(2015). Use of behavior change techniques in clean cooking interventions: A review of the
evidence and scorecard of effectiveness. Journal of health communication, 20(sup1), 43-54.
Elrouby, S., & Tully, M. P. (2016). Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify interventions
to facilitate the transfer of information on medication changes on electronic discharge
summaries. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy.
Patel, M. S., Asch, D. A., & Volpp, K. G. (2015). Wearable devices as facilitators, not drivers, of
health behavior change. Jama, 313(5), 459-460.
Kratochwill, T. R. (Ed.). (2013). Single subject research: Strategies for evaluating change.
Academic Press.
Lyons, E. J., Lewis, Z. H., Mayrsohn, B. G., & Rowland, J. L. (2014). Behavior change
techniques implemented in electronic lifestyle activity monitors: a systematic content
analysis. Journal of medical Internet research, 16(8), e192.

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APPENDICES
Figure 7 Application of reasoned action and planned behavior theory

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Figure 8 Application of health belief model
Figure 9 Application of trans-theoretical model

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Figure 10 Application of social psychological theory
Figure 11 Application of learning and the behavior theory

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Figure 12 COM-B framework