Theories of behaviour and behaviour change across the social and behavioural sciences: a scoping review

Davis, Rachel; Campbell, Rona; Hildon, Zoe; Hobbs, Lorna; Michie, Susan

doi:10.1080/17437199.2014.941722

Cited by 1,411Behavioral Health and InterventionsHealth Policy Implementation SciencePublic Health Policies and Education

Theories of behaviour and behaviour change across the social and behavioural sciences: a scoping review

Open access

Davis, Rachel, Campbell, Rona, Hildon, Zoe, Hobbs, Lorna, Michie, Susan·2015·Health Psychology Review

DOI 10.1080/17437199.2014.941722PMC PMC4566873

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Abstract

Interventions to change health-related behaviours typically have modest effects and may be more effective if grounded in appropriate theory. Most theories applied to public health interventions tend to emphasise individual capabilities and motivation, with limited reference to context and social factors. Intervention effectiveness may be increased by drawing on a wider range of theories incorporating social, cultural and economic factors that influence behaviour. The primary aim of this paper is to identify theories of behaviour and behaviour change of potential relevance to public health interventions across four scientific disciplines: psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics. We report in detail the methodology of our scoping review used to identify these theories including which involved a systematic search of electronic databases, consultation with a multidisciplinary advisory group, web searching, searching of reference lists and hand searching of key behavioural science journals. Of secondary interest we developed a list of agreed criteria for judging the quality of the theories. We identified 82 theories and 9 criteria for assessing theory quality. The potential relevance of this wide-ranging number of theories to public health interventions and the ease and usefulness of evaluating the theories in terms of the quality criteria are however yet to be determined.

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Cites

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Claims the paper makes

0 of 40 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

Findingown data
Behaviour was most commonly measured by self-report methods (N=194; 70%).
“Behaviour was most commonly measured by self-report methods (N = 194; 70%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Findingown data
The review identified 82 theories of behaviour and behaviour change.
“We identified 82 theories and 9 criteria for assessing theory quality.”
- Also stated in: § Theories identified · plain
  “Eighty-two theories of behaviour and behaviour change were identified.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Rests on an assumption: The four disciplines psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics are the relevant disciplines for identifying theories of potential value to public health behaviour change.
- Rests on an assumption: The search strategy and sources were comprehensive enough to identify all relevant theories meeting the review's inclusion criteria.
Findingown data
The remaining 23 theories were identified by the advisory group and/or through abstracts of retrieved articles.
“The remaining theories (N = 23) were identified by the advisory group and/or through abstracts of the articles retrieved in our literature search.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Rests on an assumption: The 24-member UK expert advisory group is sufficiently representative of the social and behavioural sciences and population health to determine the review's scope, methods, definitions and quality criteria.
- Rests on an assumption: The search strategy and sources were comprehensive enough to identify all relevant theories meeting the review's inclusion criteria.
Findingown data
Eighteen categories of behaviours were identified.
“Eighteen categories of behaviours were identified”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Findingown data
Fifty-two (19%) articles addressed multiple health-related behaviours.
“Fifty-two (19%) articles addressed multiple health-related behaviours”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

Findingnone given
The review catalogued 83 theories of behaviour change.
“The cataloguing of 83 theories of behaviour change is an important resource for researchers”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Findingown data
Three behaviour categories accounted for 50% of the articles: increasing physical activity (N=72; 26%), safe sex practices (N=36; 13%), and smoking cessation (N=30; 11%).
“with three accounting for 50% of the articles: increasing physical activity (N = 72; 26%), safe sex practices (N = 36; 13%) and smoking cessation (N = 30; 11%)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Findingown data
The review identified 9 criteria for assessing theory quality.
“We identified 82 theories and 9 criteria for assessing theory quality.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Rests on an assumption: The 24-member UK expert advisory group is sufficiently representative of the social and behavioural sciences and population health to determine the review's scope, methods, definitions and quality criteria.
Findingown data
Only a few of the identified theories were frequently applied in the literature.
“From the theories we identified, only a few were frequently applied in literature.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Findingown data
Of those addressing multiple behaviours, 17 (6%) targeted healthy eating and physical activity together.
“with 17 (6%) of these targeting healthy eating and physical activity together”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Findingown data
Of the 82 theories identified, 59 were applied in the articles included in the review.
“Fifty-nine (out of the 82 theories) were applied in the articles included in our review.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Rests on an assumption: The search strategy and sources were comprehensive enough to identify all relevant theories meeting the review's inclusion criteria.
- Rests on an assumption: The number of articles reporting a theory is a valid indicator of the theory's empirical application.
Findingown data
The review identified 82 theories of behaviour or behaviour change.
“Of the 82 theories identified, just 4 theories accounted for 174 (63%) of articles”
- Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
  “Eighty-two theories were identified that spanned a myriad of behaviours”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Findingown data
Four theories accounted for 174 (63%) of articles: TTM (N=91; 33%), TPB (N=36; 13%), SCT (N=29; 11%), and IMB (N=18; 7%).
“just 4 theories accounted for 174 (63%) of articles: the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM; N = 91; 33%), the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB; N = 36; 13%), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT; N = 29; 11%) and the Information-Motivation-Behavioural-Skills Model (IMB; N = 18; 7%).”
- Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
  “Sixty-three per cent of the articles identified in the review related to just four theories: the TTM, TPB, SCT and the IMB Skills Model.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Findingown data
Inter-rater agreement for inclusion decisions on theories and articles was high, exceeding 90%.
“A high level of agreement was observed for decisions on inclusion in relation to both the theories and the articles included in the review (>90%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Findingown data
The majority of articles used quantitative methods (N=243; 88%).
“The majority of articles used quantitative methods (N = 243; 88%)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Findingown data
Control Theory was identified in only one article in the review.
“however, this was identified in only one article in our review.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Findingnone given
There appeared to be no generally accepted use of terms such as theory, model, framework and orientation, with different uses by different authors.
“there appeared to be no generally accepted use of terms such as theory, model, framework and orientation, with different uses by different authors.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Findingnone given
Few of the identified theories have been subjected to wide-scale rigorous empirical evaluation.
“However, few of these theories have been subjected to wide-scale rigorous empirical evaluation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Premisecitation
Interventions are more effective when they target variables at multiple levels simultaneously, such as individual, community and population levels.
“NICE's (2007) behaviour change guidance concluded that interventions were more effective if they simultaneously targeted variables at different levels (e.g., individual, community and population; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2007).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2007
  Not checked in the free run.
Premisecitation
Behaviour change interventions are often designed without reference to theory.
“Despite the advantages of theory, behaviour change interventions are often designed without reference to theory (Davies, Walker, & Grimshaw, 2010; Prestwich et al., 2013).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
- cites Davies, Walker, & Grimshaw, 2010
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- cites Prestwich et al., 2013
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Interpretationcitation
The finding that only a few theories were frequently applied is consistent with other reviews and publications.
“the finding is of interest because it is consistent with other reviews and publications (e.g., Glanz & Bishop, 2010; Painter et al., 2008; Prestwich et al., 2013).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- cites Glanz & Bishop, 2010
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- cites Painter et al., 2008
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- cites Prestwich et al., 2013
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Interpretationreasoning
Using a common or favourite theory rather than one suited to the target population, behaviour and context limits the potential benefit of using theory.
“By using a ‘common’ or ‘favourite’ theory, rather than one that may be more suited to the particular characteristics of the target population, behaviour and context, the potential benefit of using theory is limited.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Interpretationown data
Frequency of use does not necessarily follow quality.
“a couple of examples suggest that frequency does not necessarily follow quality.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Interpretationown data
The distribution of frequency of theory use is very uneven.
“it indicates the very uneven distribution of frequency of theory use.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Premisecitation
A recent meta-analysis found that only 22.5% of 235 implementation studies explicitly used theories of behaviour change.
“For instance, a recent meta-analysis found that only 22.5% of 235 implementation studies explicitly used theories of behaviour change (Davies et al., 2010).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Davies et al., 2010
  Not checked in the free run.
Interpretationreasoning
The review does not reflect the wider application of these theories to public health-related research.
“it does not reflect the wider application of these theories to public health-related research.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Premisecitation
There is a lack of guidance on how to select an appropriate theory for a particular purpose.
“There is a lack of guidance on how to select an appropriate theory for a particular purpose (Michie, 2008), with a predominance in published intervention evaluations of a small number of theories that have already gained recognition in the field (Painter et al., 2008).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Michie, 2008
  Not checked in the free run.
Premisecitation
Theories used in public health and behaviour change interventions tend to focus on individual and sometimes interpersonal factors rather than broader social and environmental factors.
“At present, theories used in public health and behaviour change interventions more generally tend to emphasise individual and sometimes interpersonal rather than broader social and environmental variables (Glanz & Bishop, 2010).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Glanz & Bishop, 2010
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Premisecitation
Published intervention evaluations predominantly use a small number of theories that have already gained recognition in the field.
“There is a lack of guidance on how to select an appropriate theory for a particular purpose (Michie, 2008), with a predominance in published intervention evaluations of a small number of theories that have already gained recognition in the field (Painter et al., 2008).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Painter et al., 2008
  Not checked in the free run.
Premisecitation
Where theory is used, it is often only loosely referred to rather than rigorously applied to intervention design and evaluation.
“Where theory is used, it is often only loosely referred to rather than rigorously applied to intervention design and evaluation (Painter, Borba, Hynes, Mays, & Glanz, 2008; Prestwich et al., 2013).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
- cites Painter, Borba, Hynes, Mays, & Glanz, 2008
  Not checked in the free run.
- cites Prestwich et al., 2013
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Premisecitation
Recent meta-regression evidence has shown good support for Control Theory.
“recent meta-regression evidence has shown good support for Control Theory (Dombrowski et al., 2012; Ivers et al., 2012; Michie et al., 2009)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- cites Dombrowski et al., 2012
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- cites Ivers et al., 2012
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- cites Michie et al., 2009
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Interpretationreasoning
The preponderance of psychological theories identified in the review is likely partly explained by the decision to focus on individual-level theories and exclude group behaviour theories.
“Our decision to focus on theories of behaviour change at the level of the individual and exclude theories concerned with group behaviour is likely to be part of the explanation for the preponderance of psychological theories identified in the review”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Premisecitation
Kelly et al. (2010) found that sociological theories were missed in electronic searches, particularly if they were more than 25 years old.
“Kelly et al. (2010) found that sociological theories were missed in electronic searches, particularly if they were more than 25 years old.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Kelly et al. (2010)
  Not checked in the free run.
Interpretationown data
There are a large number of theories that are of potential use in designing public health interventions.
“The review also suggests that there are a large number of theories that are of potential use in designing public health interventions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Interpretationreasoning
The under-representation of sociological and anthropological theories may be partly explained by the decision not to include books where such theories are more likely to be found.
“This, and the decision not to include books where sociological and anthropological theories are more likely to be found, may go some way to explaining why these types of theory are under-represented.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Premisecitation
Even interventions at the community level tend to be informed by psychological or social-psychological theories.
“even interventions at the community level tend to be informed by psychological or social–psychological theories (e.g., Bonell, Fletcher, et al., 2013; Bonell, Jamal, et al., 2013; Glanz & Bishop, 2010; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2007).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- cites Bonell, Fletcher, et al., 2013
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- cites Bonell, Jamal, et al., 2013
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- cites Glanz & Bishop, 2010
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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 35
May combine two claims. 26

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Findingreasoning
The literature identified in the scoping review reflects the search strategy aimed at identifying theories rather than exhaustively reviewing theoretically informed empirical studies.
“the literature identified in the scoping review reflects the search strategy that aimed to identify theories rather than exhaustively review theoretically informed empirical studies.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
May combine two claims.
Findingown data
Most articles reported interventions (N=168; 61%) or were evaluative (N=62; 35%).
“most reported interventions (N = 168; 61%) or were evaluative (N = 62; 35%)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data
Thirty-one descriptive articles were identified.
“Thirty-one descriptive articles (either primary theory sources or extensions of a theory) were identified.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
May combine two claims.
Findingown data
19 articles were found to be based on the same intervention or data-set, covering 9 interventions/data-sets.
“This was found to be the case for 19 articles in total (covering 9 interventions/data-sets; see Tables 1 and 2).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingreasoning
The final set of included articles was 276.
“resulting in 276 articles”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data
Articles were published between 1977 and 2012.
“Articles were published between 1977 and 2012”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Findingreasoning
The review was labelled a scoping review rather than a systematic review.
“we have nevertheless labelled what we did a scoping review.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data
A further 20 articles were added through searching reference lists of included articles.
“To these a further 20 articles were added through searching the reference lists of the included articles”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
May combine two claims.
Findingreasoning
The 23 remaining theories met the review's inclusion criteria but lacked retrieved articles that met the article inclusion criteria.
“In other words, these were theories that met our inclusion criteria but did not have relevant articles retrieved from our search strategy that met our article inclusion criteria, i.e., articles did not fall within one of our four categories (descriptive, intervention, evaluative, review).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Rests on an assumption: The search strategy and sources were comprehensive enough to identify all relevant theories meeting the review's inclusion criteria.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Findingnone given
The review was informed by psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
“This scoping review of theories of behaviour/behaviour change of potential relevance to designing and evaluating public health interventions was informed by the disciplines of psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
May combine two claims.
Findingown data
The remaining 70 theories were applied fewer than 6 times each, with most applied once or twice.
“The remaining theories (N = 70) were applied fewer than 6 times each in the literature that met our inclusion criteria, with most only being applied once or twice”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
May combine two claims.
Findingown data
A further four theories accounted for an additional 32 (12%) of articles: HBM (N=9; 3%), SDT (N=9; 3%), HAPA (N=8; 3%), and SLT (N=6; 2%).
“A further four theories accounted for an additional 32 (12%) of the included articles: the HBM (N = 9; 3%), Self-determination Theory (SDT; N = 9; 3%), Health Action Process Approach (HAPA; N = 8; 3%) and Social Learning Theory (SLT; N = 6; 2%; SLT is a precursor of SCT).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
May combine two claims.
Findingown data
Of 8680 articles retrieved, 6620 were excluded at title/abstract screening and 1804 after full-text screening, leaving 256 articles.
“Of 8680 articles retrieved through the database search, 6620 were excluded at the first stage of screening (title and abstract) and 1804 articles (out of the remaining 2060) were excluded after full-text screening, leaving 256 articles.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data
Most of the research was conducted in Europe and North America.
“with most of the research conducted in Europe and North America”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Findingnone given
The cut-offs at either end of the specificity spectrum were agreed by consensus but were inevitably arbitrary.
“The cut-offs at either end of this spectrum were agreed by consensus but were inevitably arbitrary.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Findingreasoning
Behaviour varies in level of specificity.
“‘Behaviour’ also varies in level of specificity: for example, physical activity includes sports which includes volleyball which includes running.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
May combine two claims.
Findingown data
It was not possible to categorise the identified theories according to disciplines because many had influences from more than one discipline or authors from several disciplines.
“it was not possible to categorise the theories according to disciplines. Many of the theories had influences from more than one discipline and/or authors were from several disciplines or could not be categorised into any one discipline.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Findingnone given
Behaviours are part of sequences, often dependent on previous behaviours and sometimes on other people's behaviours.
“Behaviours are also part of sequences, often dependent on previous behaviours (e.g., carrying gym kit) and sometimes on other people's behaviours (e.g., others turning up for a team game).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingreasoning
The review identified articles that use the theories in relation to the inclusion criteria.
“the review identified articles that use the theories in relation to our inclusion criteria”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Findingnone given
Many theories contained similar constructs or the same constructs but with slightly different names.
“Many theories contained similar constructs or the same constructs but with slightly different names.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
May combine two claims.
Findingown data
Theories as conceptualised in the review ranged from quite specific to very general, including multiple levels of influence.
“Theories, as conceptualised here, ranged from quite specific (e.g., to a particular behavioural domain or type of intervention) to very general, including multiple levels of influence.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
May combine two claims.
Study design and conductcitation
Percentage agreement was used instead of Cohen's kappa because kappa is likely to underestimate reliability with unbalanced cells and multiple coders.
“Since the data constitute unbalanced cells, we have used percentage agreement as it provides a more transparent and more readily interpretable parameter than Cohen's kappa. As kappa corrects for chance agreement among multiple coders, use of kappa is likely to underestimate reliability (Steinijans, Diletti, Bomches, Greis, & Solleder, 1997).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Steinijans, Diletti, Bomches, Greis, & Solleder, 1997
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May combine two claims.
Premisecitation
Existing resources on behaviour change theories tend to reflect specific contexts and disciplines and are limited in the range of theories they cover.
“Current resources on theories of behaviour change tend to reflect specific contexts and disciplines, and are thus inevitably limited in the range of theories considered (Agar, 2008; Conner & Norman, 2005; Glanz & Bishop, 2010; Glanz, Rimer, & Lewis, 2002).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- cites Agar, 2008
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- cites Conner & Norman, 2005
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- cites Glanz & Bishop, 2010
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Study design and conductnone given
Differences of views about inclusion were resolved through discussion and consensus with the other authors.
“Differences of views about inclusion were resolved through discussion and consensus with the other authors.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductreasoning
Forward and backward citation searching and hand searching of key behavioural science journals were performed to reduce the chance of missing relevant theories.
“Forward and backward citation searching, and hand searching of key behavioural science journals were performed to minimise the likelihood of relevant theories being missed.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone given
Dual data extraction was conducted independently on 60% of included papers by two researchers, with inconsistencies resolved through joint discussion.
“Dual data extraction was conducted independently on 60% of the included papers by two researchers and inconsistencies resolved through joint discussion.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Study design and conductreasoning
Articles were not excluded based on quality because the methodology for applying the quality criteria had not been developed.
“We did not exclude articles based on their quality, since the methodology of applying these criteria has yet to be developed.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown data
At both screening stages, 30% of abstracts were independently screened by two other researchers.
“At both screening stages, 30% of the abstracts were independently screened by two other researchers (each of which screened 15%) and inter-rater reliability (calculated using percentage agreement) was assessed.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation
Effective behaviour change interventions tend to have modest effects, with substantial variation in short- and long-term effects.
“for those that are effective, the effects tend to be modest, with significant heterogeneity of short-term and long-term effects (Michie, Johnston, Francis, Hardeman, & Eccles, 2008).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Michie, Johnston, Francis, Hardeman, & Eccles, 2008
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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone given
In practice, theories of behaviour and theories of change are sometimes difficult to distinguish, and some theories could be viewed as both.
“In practice, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two and some theories could be viewed as both.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown data
The review's scope, methods and conduct were determined by a 24-member multidisciplinary expert advisory group.
“Twenty-four UK experts from the social and behavioural sciences and/or population health research formed the advisory group, which determined the scope, methods and conduct of the review.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Rests on an assumption: The 24-member UK expert advisory group is sufficiently representative of the social and behavioural sciences and population health to determine the review's scope, methods, definitions and quality criteria.
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation
Theories of behaviour tend to be linear and explain why behaviour occurs by considering predictors, their associations, and their influence on the likelihood of behaviour.
“Theories of behaviour tend to be linear, and explain the reasons why behaviour may occur by considering a number of predictors and their associations with one another and how these could influence the likelihood of a particular behaviour (Agar, 2008; Conner & Norman, 2005; Glanz & Rimer, 1997; Head & Noar, 2013).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- cites Agar, 2008
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- cites Conner & Norman, 2005
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- cites Head & Noar, 2013
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Study design and conductown data
A sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure the search results included key articles on behaviour change theories.
“A sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure that the search results included key articles on theories relevant to behaviour change (identified through the initial scoping of the literature).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation
A review using the Theory Coding Scheme found that only 10% of theory-based intervention studies reported links between behaviour change techniques and theoretical constructs, and only 9% reported that all constructs were targeted.
“A review investigating application of theory using the 19-item ‘Theory Coding Scheme’ (Michie & Prestwich, 2010), found that only 10% of studies of theory-based interventions reported links between behaviour change techniques and theoretical constructs and only 9% reported that all the constructs had been targeted by behaviour change techniques.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Michie & Prestwich, 2010
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Premisecitation
The TTM, the most frequently appearing theory in the review, has been criticised on several grounds and its empirical support has been questioned by systematic review findings.
“the theory appearing most frequently in our review, the TTM, has been criticised on several grounds (West, 2005) and its empirical support has been questioned by systematic review findings (e.g., Cahill, Lancaster, & Green, 2010; Etter & Perneger, 1999; Littell & Girvin, 2002; Whitelaw, Baldwin, Bunton, & Flynn, 2000).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- cites West, 2005
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- cites Cahill, Lancaster, & Green, 2010
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- cites Etter & Perneger, 1999
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May combine two claims.
Premisecitation
Theories of change tend to be cyclical and identify interactional and dynamic processes of behaviour change.
“Theories of change tend to be more cyclical and identify interactional and dynamic behaviour change processes (Agar, 2008; Head & Noar, 2013).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
- cites Agar, 2008
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- cites Head & Noar, 2013
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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone given
Inclusion of each theory was independently considered by at least two of the four authors and by advisory group members.
“The inclusion of each theory was considered independently by at least two of the four authors and by members of the advisory group.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
May combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning
Neither the Theoretical Domains Framework nor the Grid Enabled Measures database specifies relationships between theoretical domains and constructs in terms of effects of one on another.
“While both these approaches are of value, neither specifies relationships between theoretical domains and constructs in terms of the effect that one domain or construct may have on another.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone given
Inter-rater reliability was assessed.
“Inter-rater reliability was assessed.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
Interpretationreasoning
To maximise effectiveness, intervention designers are likely to benefit from using a wider range of theories than is currently used.
“Therefore, to maximise effectiveness, intervention designers are likely to benefit from drawing from a wider range of theories than currently used.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductown data
Definitions of theory and behaviour were agreed through a two-round Delphi process with the advisory group, retaining parts rated important by at least 50%.
“In the first of two rounds of a Delphi process, advisory group members were asked to rate each definition and parts of the definition for potential use. When a definition (or a part of it) was rated as important by at least 50% of the group it was retained as relevant.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Rests on an assumption: The 24-member UK expert advisory group is sufficiently representative of the social and behavioural sciences and population health to determine the review's scope, methods, definitions and quality criteria.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Premisecitation
The application of theory is advocated as an integral step in intervention design, evaluation and evidence synthesis.
“The application of theory is advocated as an integral step in intervention design and evaluation and in evidence synthesis, for example, by the UK Medical Research Council's guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions (Campbell et al., 2000, 2007; Craig et al., 2008; Glanz & Bishop, 2010).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- cites Campbell et al., 2000, 2007
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- cites Craig et al., 2008
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- cites Glanz & Bishop, 2010
  Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning
It is unclear how the previous consensus exercise on HIV-related behaviours reached consensus and how relevant its constructs are to other behaviours.
“However, it is not clear how this consensus was reached and how relevant the included constructs are to other behaviours, given the focus on HIV-related behaviours.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation
There have been calls for more operationalization, application, testing and refining of theories over many years, but advances are slow.
“There have been calls for more operationalization, application, testing and refining of theories over many years (e.g., Michie & Johnston, 2012; Noar & Zimmerman, 2005; Rothman, 2004; Weinstein, 2007; Weinstein & Rothman, 2005), but advances are slow.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
- cites Michie & Johnston, 2012
  Not checked in the free run.
- cites Noar & Zimmerman, 2005
  Not checked in the free run.
- cites Rothman, 2004
  Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Interpretationreasoning
The review's purpose seemed more akin to a scoping review than a systematic review.
“its purpose seemed more akin to that of a scoping than a systematic review.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Interpretationnone given
More general theories may have greater face validity but be less useable in guiding research than more specific theories.
“more general theories may have greater face validity but be less useable in guiding research than more specific theories”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning
The relevance of a particular theory may vary across type of behaviour and according to the level of specificity.
“Just as the relevance of a particular theory may vary across type of behaviour, so it may vary according to the level of specificity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
Interpretationreasoning
Choice of theory will be partly guided by the purpose it is to be put to.
“choice of theory will therefore be partly guided by the purpose it is to be put to.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone given
Not only language varies across and within disciplines but so do epistemological and ontological assumptions and preoccupations.
“not only language varies across and within disciplines but so do epistemological and ontological assumptions and preoccupations.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Interpretationreasoning
The review attempted a combination of aggregative systematic review and configurative scoping review.
“Arguably what we wanted to attempt was a combination of these two things”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
Interpretationnone given
Transforming the nine quality criteria into reliable scales or response options is a complex task and a study in its own right.
“Transforming the nine quality criteria into forms, such as reliable scales or response options that can be used in evaluating theories is a complex task, and a study in its own right.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Premisecitation
There is a clear distinction between aggregative systematic reviews and configurative scoping reviews.
“there is a clear distinction between aggregative systematic reviews that are ‘about seeking evidence to inform decisions’ and configurative scoping reviews which are about ‘seeking concepts to provide enlightenment through new ways of understanding’.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
- cites Gough, Thomas, and Oliver (2012)
  Not checked in the free run.

52 of 52

The paper relies on this without support.
The four disciplines psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics are the relevant disciplines for identifying theories of potential value to public health behaviour change.
“across four scientific disciplines: psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics”
“informed by the disciplines of psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics”
The paper relies on this without support.
The 24-member UK expert advisory group is sufficiently representative of the social and behavioural sciences and population health to determine the review's scope, methods, definitions and quality criteria.
“Twenty-four UK experts from the social and behavioural sciences and/or population health research formed the advisory group, which determined the scope, methods and conduct of the review.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The search strategy and sources were comprehensive enough to identify all relevant theories meeting the review's inclusion criteria.
“To be as comprehensive as possible we focused on both theories of behaviour and behaviour change.”
“Forward and backward citation searching, and hand searching of key behavioural science journals were performed to minimise the likelihood of relevant theories being missed.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The number of articles reporting a theory is a valid indicator of the theory's empirical application.
“These are listed in Table 1 along with the lead author, date of the paper that originally described the theory and the number of articles that reported using the theory.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Nine defining features are conceptually important for a good theory.
“Nine defining features were identified as conceptually important for a good theory: (i) clarity of constructs – ‘Has the case been made for the independence of constructs from each other?’”

5 of 5

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Using behavioural change theories can help understand public behaviour around antibiotic usage and develop theoretically based interventions to maximise effectiveness.
“However, using behavioural change theories can help us understand public behaviour around antibiotic usage and how to develop theoretically based interventions to maximise effectiveness.”
From Public-targeted interventions addressing antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review (2025) · cites this paper as [22]
The Introduction says that understanding behaviour through theory can help designers identify what to target in interventions and maximise their potential effectiveness. The paper discusses public-health behaviours generally; its Results list the behaviours reviewed but do not identify public antibiotic use. It therefore supports the general rationale, not the antibiotic-specific application. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
The effectiveness of theory-based interventions is well-documented.
“The effectiveness of theory-based interventions is well-documented”
From Public-targeted interventions addressing antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review (2025) · cites this paper as Davis et al (2015)
The Introduction reports that some reviews found a positive association between theory-based interventions and effectiveness, but others found no association or a negative one. The paper calls the evidence a “mixed picture,” so saying their effectiveness is well-documented overstates its conclusion. (LLM, conf=0.87)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
Eighty-three theories of behaviour and behaviour change have recently been identified in a review across disciplines in social and behavioural sciences.
“Eighty-three theories of behaviour and behaviour change have recently been identified in a review across disciplines in social and behavioural sciences [22].”
From A guide to using the Theoretical Domains Framework of behaviour change to investigate implementation problems (2017) · cites this paper as [22]
The integration of theoretical frameworks enhances the understanding of behavioural determinants and supports the development of effective, targeted interventions.
“The integration of theoretical frameworks enhances the understanding of behavioural determinants and supports the development of effective, targeted interventions.”
From Public-targeted interventions addressing antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review (2025) · cites this paper as Davis et al (2015)
A large number of theories have been used to explain behaviour change, with a recent review identifying 83.
“A large number of theories have been used to explain behaviour change, with a recent review identifying 83.160,161”
From Behaviour change techniques: the development and evaluation of a taxonomic method for reporting and describing behaviour change interventions (a suite of five studies involving consensus methods, randomised controlled trials and analysis of qualitative data) (2015) · cites this paper as [160]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

Evaluative articles have an incorrect percentage
Minor
The 62 evaluative articles are about 22.5% of the 276 included articles, not 35%.
Reported 35 · recomputed 22.463768
Discussion changes the total number of theories
Minor
The discussion says 83 theories were catalogued, while the results report 82 and Table 1 is numbered through 82.

2 of 2

A theory of social comparison processes
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“Papers published by the same first author and focused on the same theory were assessed to identify cases in which multiple articles based on the same intervention (i.e., intervention protocol and outcomes) or data-set had been published.”
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Does tailoring matter? Meta-analytic review of tailored print health behavior change interventions
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The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
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16. The fraction of cancer attributable to lifestyle and environmental factors in the UK in 2010
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A guide to using the Theoretical Domains Framework of behaviour change to investigate implementation problems
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“Eighty-three theories of behaviour and behaviour change have recently been identified in a review across disciplines in social and behavioural sciences [22].”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Implementation Mapping: Using Intervention Mapping to Develop Implementation Strategies
Fernandez, M. E., ten Hoor, G. A., van Lieshout, S., Rodriguez, S. A., Beidas, R. S., Parcel, G., Ruiter, R. A. C., Markham, C. M., & Kok, G. (2019) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2019.00158 · Cited by 914 · see citing works
Effective behaviour change techniques for physical activity and healthy eating in overweight and obese adults; systematic review and meta-regression analyses
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Demystifying theory and its use in improvement
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Behaviour change techniques: the development and evaluation of a taxonomic method for reporting and describing behaviour change interventions (a suite of five studies involving consensus methods, randomised controlled trials and analysis of qualitative data)
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From Theory-Inspired to Theory-Based Interventions: A Protocol for Developing and Testing a Methodology for Linking Behaviour Change Techniques to Theoretical Mechanisms of Action
Michie, S., Carey, R. N., Johnston, M., Rothman, A. J., de Bruin, M., Kelly, M. P., & Connell, L. E. (2018) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9816-6 · Cited by 475 · see citing works
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The Handbook of Behavior Change
Hagger, M. S., Cameron, L. D., Hamilton, K., Hankonen, N. E., & Lintunen, T. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108677318 · Cited by 420 · see citing works
IDEAS (integrate, design, assess, and share): a framework and toolkit of strategies for the development of more effective digital interventions to change health behavior
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Evaluating the effectiveness of behavior change techniques in health-related behavior: a scoping review of methods used
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“A much more ambitious project is currently underway to organize the >1,700 theoretical constructs from 83 theories identified in a multidisciplinary literature review of behavior change theories [60, 61].”
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Mapping reviews, scoping reviews, and evidence and gap maps (EGMs): the same but different— the “Big Picture” review family
Campbell, F., Tricco, A. C., Munn, Z., Pollock, D., Saran, A., Sutton, A., White, H., & Khalil, H. (2023) · Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1186/s13643-023-02178-5 · Cited by 377 · see citing works
Development of an online tool for linking behavior change techniques and mechanisms of action based on triangulation of findings from literature synthesis and expert consensus
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Reporting randomised trials of social and psychological interventions: the CONSORT-SPI 2018 Extension
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Adapting evidence-informed complex population health interventions for new contexts: a systematic review of guidance
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Patient Involvement With Home-Based Exercise Programs: Can Connected Health Interventions Influence Adherence?
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The Human Behaviour-Change Project: harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning for evidence synthesis and interpretation
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A Systematic Scoping Review of the Choice Architecture Movement: Toward Understanding When and Why Nudges Work
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Changing Behavior Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
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DEBATE: Do interventions based on behavioral theory work in the real world?
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Protection motivation theory and pro‐environmental behaviour: A systematic mapping review
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Adoption intentions for micro-mobility – Insights from electric scooter sharing in Taiwan
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Digital Behaviour Change Interventions to Break and Form Habits
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Understanding Scientists’ Willingness to Engage
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Generation Y investment decision: an analysis using behavioural factors
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How Equity‐Oriented Health Care Affects Health: Key Mechanisms and Implications for Primary Health Care Practice and Policy
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Apps That Motivate: a Taxonomy of App Features Based on Self-Determination Theory
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Advancing Models and Theories for Digital Behavior Change Interventions
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Behavior change interventions: the potential of ontologies for advancing science and practice
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Digital Health Behavior Change Technology: Bibliometric and Scoping Review of Two Decades of Research
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Celebrating variability and a call to limit systematisation: the example of the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy and the Behaviour Change Wheel
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Transforming cities for sustainability: A health perspective
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Social marketing theory development goals: an agenda to drive change
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Health promotion interventions for community-dwelling older people with mild or pre-frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Identifying change processes in group-based health behaviour-change interventions: Development of the mechanisms of action in group-based interventions (MAGI) framework
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Applying and advancing behavior change theories and techniques in the context of a digital health revolution: proposals for more effectively realizing untapped potential
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Educational interventions for improving primary caregiver complementary feeding practices for children aged 24 months and under
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Use of Theory in Behavior Change Interventions: An Analysis of Programs to Increase Physical Activity in Posttreatment Breast Cancer Survivors
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Unpacking mHealth interventions: A systematic review of behavior change techniques used in randomized controlled trials assessing mHealth effectiveness
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Exercise-based interventions to enhance long-term sustainability of physical activity in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
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Use of theory to plan or evaluate guideline implementation among physicians: a scoping review
Members of the Guidelines International Network Implementation Working Group, Liang, L., Bernhardsson, S., Vernooij, R. W. M., Armstrong, M. J., Bussières, A., Brouwers, M. C., & Gagliardi, A. R. (2017) · Implementation Science · doi:10.1186/s13012-017-0557-0 · Cited by 140 · see citing works
Behavior Change Techniques in Physical Activity eHealth Interventions for People With Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review
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Perceived Drivers and Barriers to the Adoption of eMental Health by Psychologists: The Construction of the Levels of Adoption of eMental Health Model
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“For extensive reviews of behavior change and implementation theories, models, and frameworks, see Davis et al [31] and Nilsen [32].”
Impact of Interdisciplinary Outpatient Specialty Palliative Care on Survival and Quality of Life in Adults With Advanced Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
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Tailored mobile text messaging interventions targeting type 2 diabetes self-management: A systematic review and a meta-analysis
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Evaluating the benefits and risks of social media for wildlife conservation
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Development of a formal system for representing behaviour-change theories
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Behavioral aspects of solid waste management: A systematic review
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A scoping review of ontologies related to human behaviour change
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Efficacy of a medication adherence enhancing intervention in transplantation: The MAESTRO-Tx trial
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What is positive youth development and how might it reduce substance use and violence? A systematic review and synthesis of theoretical literature
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Theories Informing eHealth Implementation: Systematic Review and Typology Classification
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Mapping the Landscape of Behavioral Theories: Systematic Literature Review
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COLLABORATIVE PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS: A SCOPING REVIEW
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Changing Behavior Using the Health Action Process Approach
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Habit Formation and Behavior Change
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Socio‐economic status and theories of health behaviour: Time to upgrade a control variable
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Theories Applied to m-Health Interventions for Behavior Change in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
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Too much theory and not enough practice? The challenge of implementation science application in healthcare practice
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Conceptualising nurse-patient therapeutic engagement on acute mental health wards: An integrative review
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Modelling urban change with cellular automata: Contemporary issues and future research directions
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Learning from Behavioural Changes That Fail
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Examining the application of behaviour change theories in the context of infectious disease outbreaks and emergency response: a review of reviews
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Motivations for the use and consumption of wildlife products
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Authors: Davis, R., Campbell, R., Hildon, Z., Hobbs, L., & Michie, S.
Affiliations: University College London (GB)
University of Bristol (GB)
Corresponding author: Michie, Susan
ORCID: Davis, Rachel
Campbell, Rona
Hildon, Zoe
Hobbs, Lorna
Michie, Susan
Venue: Health Psychology Review
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2014-08-08
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 323-344
ISSN: 1743-7199 (ISSN-L)
1743-7202
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2014.941722
PMC: PMC4566873
OpenAlex: W2132253094
Semantic Scholar: f6f88a3ae2e21ef6bbd87db0a96a67ec73971cd3
Cited by: 1,411
References: 88
Citations by year: 2026: 99 · 2025: 152 · 2024: 174 · 2023: 150 · 2022: 160 · 2021: 184 · 2020: 202 · 2019: 104 · 2018: 90 · 2017: 45 · 2016: 32 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 2
FWCI: 3.87
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: hybrid
doi.org
Licence: cc-by
Locations: Health Psychology Review (publishedVersion, cc-by)
PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Bristol Research (University of Bristol) (publishedVersion)
UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders: Medical Research Council (PHSRN10)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Policy Implementation Science
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Public Health Policies and Education
Keywords: behavior change, public health interventions, intervention effectiveness, cultural factors, economic factors
MeSH terms: Behavior Therapy, Humans, Motivation, Psychological Theory, Public Health, Health Behavior, Behavior Control

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Theories of behaviour and behaviour change across the social and behavioural sciences: a scoping review

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