Influences on Behavior/Habit Change

Seminar discussion on “Social Psychological Factors…” ► What are the two policy implications of the article’s statement that “individual choices are always made within particular environments?” ► According to the article, why is behavior change difficult? ► What are habits, and what characteristics make them difficult to change? ► What might prevent an information campaign from being effective?

Ecological Systems Theory ► Map out the four levels of your life  Micro  Meso  Exo  Macro

Upstream Approaches ► An approach that changes the context in which a behavior occurs in order to support individual change.  These are changes made to the exo and macro systems.  These changes make it easier for individuals to change their behavior.  What were examples related to healthy lifestyle from the article?

Downstream Approaches ► Attempts to directly influence individual decision making.  Focus on the individual and possibly the micro system.  Examples from article?

Theory of Planned Behavior – how to help yourself follow through! Step one: Identify the behavior you want to establish. ► Exercise 30 minutes/day, 4 days/week ► Meditate 10 minutes in the a.m., 10 minutes in the p.m. ► Do an enjoyable activity 15 minutes/day

Consider the role of thoughts ► Behavioral beliefs – what are the advantages and disadvantages of the behavior?  Emotional or instrumental  Positive or negative? ► Normative beliefs – what do you believe about how others feel about the behavior?  How will your closest friends, family, partner respond when you tell them about your effort to change? ► Control beliefs – do you believe you have control over the behavior?  Can you do the behavior? Is it even possible?

Gaps between intentions and behavior??? ► Failing to get started  Oops, I forgot all about it!  Missed opportunities  Reluctance is hard to overcome – short term discomfort outweighs long term benefit ► Getting derailed  Other needs become more prominent – work demands trump self care  A behavior counter to the goal behavior has extra benefit – the ice cream sundae makes me feel better than a walk ever could!

Implementation Intentions ► If-then statements  Choose an opportunity to act…a condition that will prompt the behavior ► If I work 6 hours or more, I will go for a walk before getting in the car. ► If I have a “no-show” I will spend ten minutes meditating.  Rehearse the if-then statement  Start doing it!

Successful Student Behaviors ► What are some? ► Write a goal behavior on your worksheet. ► With classmates who share your goal:  Identify the beliefs  Develop if-then statements to work with ► Report back to the group