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Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes

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A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 7507

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. John Parkinson

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2AS, UK
Interests: dual-process approaches to behavior and change; applied behaviour change in health contexts; theories and application of health promotion and illness prevention; the influence of motivational states on cognitive processes such as attention, memory and decision-making; design thinking and innovative approaches to research design and implementation; behavioral science in policy-making and population health

Prof. Dr. Javad Salehi Fadardi

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Co-Guest Editor

School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
Interests: health technology; cognitive psychology

Dr. Yuka Kotozaki

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate 028-3694, Japan
Interests: psychology; mental health; traumatic stress; public health; neuroscience
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Health promotion and illness prevention interventions play a pivotal role in promoting healthier behaviors and reducing the prevalence and burden of disease in communities. These interventions utilize a multifaceted approach that includes education and awareness campaigns, behavioral techniques to influence individual and collective choices, and system changes to support citizens to make healthier choices. By educating the public about the risks and consequences of certain behaviors, individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions about their health. Likewise, interventions can involve environmental modifications, such as creating pedestrian-friendly zones or increasing the availability of fresh produce in neighborhoods. These changes make healthy choices more accessible and convenient. Policy initiatives, like taxing sugary beverages or ensuring vaccinations, can also guide behavior towards better health outcomes.

Ultimately, the combination of knowledge dissemination, targeted behavior change interventions, supportive environments, and strategic policies can lead to sustainable behavior change. The benefits of these interventions are twofold: individuals lead healthier, longer lives, and the societal costs associated with treating preventable diseases are considerably reduced. This Special Issue of Behavioral Sciences will focus on health promotion and illness prevention interventions to enable a better understanding of how to effectively and sustainability support behavior change to promote these outcomes. We are particularly interested in studies that measure behavioral outcomes. We are open to studies across different domains of health (diet, exercise, mental and physical health, etc.). We welcome original research papers and review articles in the following areas, among others:

Reducing health inequalities through behavioral interventions;
Understanding and tailoring interventions across different groups/segments of a population;
Scaling up interventions to group or population level;
The role of *type 1 and type 2 processes in health behavior (*dual-process theory cf Evans 2003; Thaler and Sunstein, 2008; Kahneman 2011);
Health economic approaches to prevention;
Analysis of intervention type (awareness and literacy, nudges, regulation, etc.);
Considerations of individual-level interventions vs. system-level changes.

Prof. Dr. John Parkinson
Prof. Dr. Javad Salehi Fadardi
Dr. Yuka Kotozaki
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

applied behavior change
dual-process theory
intention–action gap
illness prevention
health promotion
nudge systems thinking
wellbeing
environmental design
choice architecture

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Considering the Role of Behavioural Fatigue in the COVID-19 Lockdown Debates in Great Britain: A Retrospective Analysis of a National Survey Assessing the Relationships between Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour

by Saval Khanal, Kelly Ann Schmidtke, Kaloyan Haralampiev and Ivo Vlaev

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090852 - 23 Sep 2024

Viewed by 603

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the term “behavioural fatigue” became the centre of policy debates in Great Britain. These debates involved deciding when to go into lockdown and whether behavioural interventions could be effective. Behavioural interventions can only succeed where people’s Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivations to perform target behaviours are supported. Our retrospective data analyses examine the relationships between people’s Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations, and Behaviours, i.e., adherence to lockdown guidelines. Our cross-sectional analyses include 17,962 unique participants in Great Britain who completed a survey over the initial 30 days of the first lockdown (April 2020). We examine trends in responses to each scale and then the relationships between the scales using Granger’s causality test with tests for stationarity and cointegration. A mixture of increasing and decreasing trends was identified for Capabilities and Opportunities. Decreasing trends were identified for Motivation and Behaviour. Granger’s causality tests found that Capability forecasts Opportunity and Behaviour and that Motivation forecasts Opportunity. The discussion reiterates that to realise and maintain Behaviour changes, policies surrounding people’s Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivations must continue to support target behaviours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes)

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11 pages, 206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Home Medication Management Practices on Medication Adherence

by Lisa Gualtieri, Meredith Steinfeldt, Eden Shaveet, Brandon Estime and Meera Singhal

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090804 - 11 Sep 2024

Viewed by 536

Abstract

Medication adherence is a vexing challenge, with over 50% of US adults not adhering to their prescribed medication regimen. Most medications are self-administered by patients at home, requiring them to independently develop and manage their own medication routines. By understanding these home-based practices, such as where patients store their medications and how different storage locations impact adherence, we can develop targeted interventions to improve adherence rates. Our goal was to identify and categorize self-reported home medication management practices and determine which practices are associated with self-reported medication adherence. From the 1673 total survey respondents we learned that the most common places people store their medications at home are nightstand drawers (28%), on top of nightstands (27%), kitchen cabinets (22%), and bathroom medicine cabinets (20%). Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities were significantly associated with increased odds of having ever forgotten to take a medication. On the other hand, desks, dining room tables, and the inside of nightstand drawers were associated with the greatest statistically significant decrease in odds of having ever forgotten to take a medication. Almost all (96%) respondents were receptive to receiving guidance from healthcare providers on how to store medications. Patients are largely responsible for creating their own home medication management practices, including deciding where to store their medication at home. Understanding which home storage locations are associated with medication adherence can lead to innovative approaches to improve adherence, including personalized guidance to patients from their healthcare providers for patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes)

16 pages, 1858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Links between Vaccination Fear-, Anxiety-, Alexithymia-, and Type D Personality-Related Vaccination Decisions: A Network Analysis in a Multicultural Sample

by Olga Malas, Nada Mallah Boustani, Mirko Duradoni, Dayo Omotoso, Asiye Şengül Avşar, Anastasiia Shyroka, Giulia Colombini and Maria Dolores Tolsá

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090761 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 723

Abstract

This study examines the links between vaccination status, fear of vaccination (cognitive and somatic symptoms), anxiety, alexithymia, and type D personality (negative affect and social inhibition), to propose policies to increase vaccination rates. A sample of university students (n = 2535; mean age = 20.59, SD = 2.04; male: 26.75%, female: 73.25%) from Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Nigeria, Turkey, and Ukraine completed the Vaccination Fear Scale (VFS-6), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire—Short Form (PAQ-S), the Type D Scale (DS14), and also a question on vaccination status. Correlation, regression, and network analyses were applied. Cognitive symptoms of fear of vaccination and negative affect were the most significant in the correlation and regression analyses. In the network analysis, negative affect showed the highest values in all centrality indices and positive relationships with other nodes. Vaccination status showed negative relationships with fear of vaccination, alexithymia, and social inhibition. The network structure is similar between the sexes but varies between cultures and sexes within cultures. The relationship between vaccination status and cognitive symptoms of fear of vaccination was the most consistent, allowing for interventions at this level to be advised across cultures. For more specific interventions, cultural context must be considered for optimal results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes)

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17 pages, 1070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Intentions of People with Hearing Impairments to Use Augmented Reality Glasses as Hearing Aids

by Liyuan Deng, Jiangjie Chen and Dongning Li

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080728 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 940

Abstract

The advent and progression of AR (augmented reality) technology, coupled with the emergence of AR hearing aid glasses, offer a novel opportunity for people with hearing impairments (PHI). This study aims to explore the intention of this population to employ AR hearing aid glasses as their choice of hearing aid device and the specific factors influencing their preference. This study utilized the partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM) analytical method to create structural equation model for intentions of PHI to use AR glasses as hearing aids. Data were gathered from on-site experiences across multiple locations; a total of 189 valid questionnaires from individuals with varying degrees of hearing disabilities were used for statistical analysis. According to the data analysis results, we discovered that functionality quality, perceived interaction speed, and perceived usability significantly influence communication effectiveness. Further, communication effectiveness positively influences confidence and societal perception, and the latter has a positive impact on information. Both of these factors positively influence behavioral intention. Based on these findings, this study offers design recommendations for AR hearing aid glasses to cater to the specific needs of PHI, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Furthermore, this study provides pivotal insights for the prospective growth of this emerging industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes)

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13 pages, 411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of the Life Enhancement and Advancement Program for Weight Management in Overweight and Obese Females

by Raheleh Maddah Shourche, Mohsen Nematy, W. Miles Cox and Javad S. Fadardi

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080724 - 20 Aug 2024

Viewed by 743

Abstract

Background: Obesity has been shown to have many deleterious physical and psychological consequences. Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of adding the Life Enhancement and Advancement Program (LEAP) to a weight management program. Design: To evaluate the different components of a weight loss program, this study included four groups: (1) dieting, exercise, and LEAP; (2) dieting, exercise, and sham training; (3) dieting and exercise; and (4) exercise only. An assessment was administered at baseline, post-intervention, and a three-month follow-up. Participants: Forty female participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 were recruited from a local sports center. They provided informed consent and were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Measures: Participants’ heights were recorded at baseline, and their weight, waist circumference (WC), and BMI were measured at each of the three assessments. Participants completed the Personal Concerns Inventory (PCI) to assess their adaptive motivation at all three assessments. Results: A MANCOVA indicated that participants who received LEAP along with dieting and exercise had a greater reduction in BMI and WC and improved more in adaptive motivation than the other groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that adding LEAP to a weight management program enhanced participants’ ability to achieve and maintain weight loss. LEAP enabled participants to pursue and achieve their important goals successfully. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes)

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16 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Milking the Alternatives: Understanding Coffee Consumers’ Preferences for Non-Dairy Milk

by Nibal Halabi, Velina Hristova and Ivo Vlaev

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070569 - 5 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1134

Abstract

Consumer interest in plant-based milk alternatives is growing, despite extra charges in coffeehouses. While much research exists on non-dairy alternatives, plant-based milks in coffee drinks remain understudied. This study examines consumer preferences and behaviors regarding milk alternatives in coffee, using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW). A survey of 200 participants from 19 countries explored demographics, coffee habits, attitudes towards non-dairy milk charges, and marketing awareness. Market insights showed taste as the main reason for coffee choice, with a preference for cow’s milk and local cafes for quality. Many opposed the extra charges for non-dairy options, citing lactose intolerance or allergies, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Regional variations included stronger opposition in the UK and Germany compared to the UAE and USA. The marketing for non-dairy milk was less memorable than general coffee advertisements. Regression analysis confirmed that viewing non-dairy milk as a dietary staple increased consumption, aligning with the TDF’s “Beliefs about Consequences” domain. Finally, within the BCW framework, the intervention strategies centered on training and coercion were discussed. Implementing these approaches could encourage the wider adoption of non-dairy milk options in coffee shops, fostering inclusivity, health awareness, and supporting environmental sustainability efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes)

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14 pages, 1580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Closing the Gap: How Psychological Distance Influences Willingness to Engage in Risky COVID Behavior

by Ceridwen Williams, Paul Rauwolf, Matt Boulter and John A. Parkinson

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060449 - 27 May 2024

Viewed by 912

Abstract

Pandemics, and other risk-related contexts, require dynamic changes in behavior as situations develop. Human behavior is influenced by both explicit (cognitive) and implicit (intuitive) factors. In this study, we used psychological distance as a lens to understand what influences our decision-making with regard to risk in the context of COVID-19. This study was based on the rationale that our relational needs are more concrete to us than the risk of the virus. First, we explored the impact of social–psychological distance on participants’ risk perceptions and behavioral willingness. As hypothesized, we found that close social relationships of agents promoted willingness to engage in risky behavior. In the second phase, we tested an intervention designed to increase the concreteness of information about virus transmission as a mechanism to mitigate the bias of social influence. We found that the concreteness intervention resulted in significantly reduced willingness to engage in risky behavior. As such, communications aimed at changing the behavior of citizens during times of increased risk or danger should consider conceptually concrete messaging when communicating complex risk, and hence may provide a valuable tool in promoting health-related behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes)

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13 pages, 886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Two Brief Motivational Interventions for Excessive-Drinking University Students

by Lee M. Hogan and W. Miles Cox

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050381 - 1 May 2024

Viewed by 980

Abstract

Objective: Two brief computerized motivational interventions for excessive-drinking university students were evaluated. Method: Participants (N = 88, females = 61.5%, mean age = 21.05 years) were randomly assigned to a control group or one of two experimental groups: Computerized Brief Intervention (CBI) or Computerized Brief Intervention-Enhanced (CBI-E). CBI followed the principles of Motivational Interviewing to motivate participants to change their drinking behavior. CBI-E additionally used the principles of Systematic Motivational Counseling to identify and discuss with participants their dysfunctional motivational patterns that were interfering with their attainment of emotional satisfaction. At baseline and a three-month follow-up, the participants completed a battery of measures of alcohol consumption and related problems. Results: At baseline, the participants were confirmed to be heavy drinkers with many drink-related negative consequences. Males and females responded differently to the interventions. During follow-up, males’ alcohol use was ordered: CBI-E < CBI < Controls. The females in all three groups reduced their alcohol use, but there were no significant group differences. Conclusions: Males responded to the interventions as expected. For females, the assessment itself seemed to serve as an effective intervention, and there were no post-intervention differences among the three groups. Suggestions for future research using CBI and CBI-E are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Behavioral Change to Improve Health Outcomes)

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