A taxonomy of behaviour change methods: an Intervention Mapping approach

A taxonomy of behaviour change methods: an Intervention Mapping approach A taxonomy of behaviour change methods: an Intervention Mapping approach

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we introduce the Intervention Mapping taxonomy of behaviour change methods and its potential to be developed into a coding taxonomy. That is, although Intervention Mapping and its taxonomy of behaviour change methods are not in fact new, because Intervention Mapping was originally developed as a tool for intervention development, this potential was not immediately apparent. Second, in explaining the Intervention Mapping taxonomy and defining the relevant constructs, we call attention to the existence of parameters for effectiveness of methods, and explicate the related distinction between theory-based methods and practical applications and the probability that poor translation of methods may lead to erroneous conclusions as to method-effectiveness. Third, we recommend a minimal set of intervention characteristics that may be reported when intervention descriptions and evaluations are published. Specifying these characteristics can greatly enhance the quality of our meta-analyses and other literature syntheses. In conclusion, the dynamics of behaviour change are such that any taxonomy of methods of behaviour change needs to acknowledge the importance of, and provide instruments for dealing with, three conditions for effectiveness for behaviour change methods. For a behaviour change method to be effective: one, it must target a determinant that predicts behaviour; two, it must be able to change that determinant; three, it must be translated into a practical application in a way that preserves the parameters for effectiveness and fits with the target population, culture, and context. Thus, taxonomies of methods of behaviour change must distinguish the specific determinants that are targeted, practical, specific applications, and the theory-based methods they embody. In addition, taxonomies should acknowledge that the lists of behaviour change methods will be used by, and should be used by, intervention developers. Ideally, the taxonomy should be readily usable for this goal; but alternatively, it should be clear how the information in the taxonomy can be used in practice. The Intervention Mapping taxonomy satisfies these requirements, and it would be beneficial if other taxonomies would be extended to also meet these needs.

Introduction

Recent attempts to establish a cumulative science of behaviour change have used taxonomies of behaviour change techniques to derive effectiveness of such techniques through meta-analysis of intervention evaluations. These taxonomies have been widely applied and developed further, for example, geared towards physical activity and diet. Useful though they are, being taxonomies that are developed as a means to categorise intervention content, 'evidence of "efficacy" or "effectiveness" is not part of the definition of behaviour change techniques'. This means that although these taxonomies contain effective behaviour change methods, they also contain ineffective methods, and may even contain counter-effective methods. Thus, while well-suited for intervention coding, such taxonomies are not a good basis for intervention development. Although a taxonomy for intervention development has existed for some time, it has never been published as such. The current contribution presents this taxonomy, which is extracted from the Intervention Mapping protocol for the development, implementation, and evaluation of behaviour change interventions.

Whereas taxonomies for coding interventions generally consist of descriptions of behaviour change techniques, taxonomies for developing interventions need to acknowledge a number of additional aspects of the dynamics of behaviour change. Three such aspects emerged in a recent critique of the approach to use behaviour change technique taxonomies in meta-analyses. Specifically, first, the selection of behaviour change methods should include a careful match with determinants that they can in fact change; second, a precursor to intervention development should assure that these determinants indeed predict the relevant behaviour; and third, when change methods are applied, the parameters for a method's effectiveness must be satisfied. Before explaining this more in depth and providing definitions for these concepts, we will briefly introduce the Intervention Mapping protocol.