ABC Of Behaviour Change Theories (Behavior Change): An Essential Resource for Researchers, Policy Makers and Practitioners

by Susan Michie, Robert West, Rona Campbell

This book describes 83 theories of behaviour change, identified by an expert panel of psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists and economists as relevant to designing interventions. For each theory, the book provides a brief summary, a list of its component constructs, a more extended description and a network analysis to show its links with other theories in the book. It considers the role of theory in understanding behaviour change and its application to designing and evaluating interventions.

Genres: Nonfiction

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2015

Reviews

[Richard Pfau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good guide to 83 theories that have or may be used to guide behavior change efforts. In part, the book shows how unscientific behavior change efforts and thinking presently is. The book argues that attempts to change behavior should draw on theories of behavior and behavior change, but then points out that interventions informed by theory have not necessarily been found to be more effective than those that have not. In part, this seems to be that many of the theories being used have not been validated. and that there is little guidance on how to choose an appropriate theory for a particular purpose. We are at a pre-scientific stage of behavior change. Suggestions for how to do a better job in the future are provided.