Lecture 8 - Behaviour Change Techniques - For Students

Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs)

Learning Objectives

• Identify and define common BCTs.

• Explain key research findings pertaining to BCTs.

• Identify tips and apply BCT strategies.

• Differentiate different forms of stimulus control and their anticipated outcomes.

• Provide examples of different forms of stimulus control.

Overview of Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs)

• Definition: BCT is an observable, replicable, and irreducible component of an intervention, aimed to alter the processes that regulate behaviour (Michie et al., 2013).

• BCTs involve specific strategies for behaviour regulation.

• They can be employed independently or combined for greater effectiveness.

• Total of 93 BCTs, clustered into 16 groups as per Michie et al. (2013).

Common BCTs in Exercise

• Stimulus Control: Managing cues related to exercise.

• Goal Setting: Establishing specific objectives for action.

• Action Plans: Preparing steps to achieve goals.

• Coping Planning: Developing strategies to overcome barriers.

• Self-Monitoring: Tracking behaviour for accountability.

Detailed Examination of Stimulus Control

Introduction to Stimulus Control

• Based on operant conditioning principles.

• Involves associating voluntary behaviours with specific consequences.

• Aims to control stimuli causing inactivity or encourage stimuli promoting good behaviour.

• Requires modifying the external environment for increased support.

Principles of Stimulus-Response Theory

• An assumption that behaviours can be learned through repeated associations with cues or reinforcers.

• Consequences following a behaviour influence the likelihood of that behaviour recurring (Lox et al., 2014).

Influencing Behaviour through Stimulus-Response Theory

• Positive Reinforcement: Increases behaviour likelihood by providing a pleasant outcome after the behaviour.

• Negative Reinforcement: Increases behaviour frequency by removing unpleasant stimuli after the behaviour.

• Punishment: Decreases behaviour frequency by presenting unwanted outcomes following a behaviour.

• Extinction: Decreases behaviour by removing reinforcing stimuli post-behaviour.

Practical Applications & Reflection

• Reflect on behaviours encouraged and discouraged in exercise.

• Examples:

  • Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating milestones, rewards post-exercise.

  • Negative Reinforcement: Allowing breaks from chores for regular exercise participation.

  • Punishment: Ineffective; should be approached with caution.

  • Extinction: Removing privileges for inactivity.

Research Insights on Reinforcement and Exercise

Positive Reinforcement**

• Interventions using cash incentives and prizes increased physical exercise but showed a decrease over time.

• Incentivized activities led to temporarily heightened activity levels, but often reverted to baseline after interventions ceased.

Negative Reinforcement**

• Monetary incentives tied to attendance significantly enhanced exercise participation rates in specific contexts.

Punishment and its Implications**

• Utilization of punishment for behaviour modification may lead to negative outcomes such as decreased enthusiasm or resentment.

• Evidence indicates limited effectiveness of punishment in fostering exercise behaviours (Kerr et al., 2016).

Tips for Effective Implementation of BCTs

• Focus on non-tangible rewards for reinforcement rather than tangible ones for better impact.

• Emphasize positive and negative reinforcement while minimizing punishment use.

• Consider the quality of motivation being cultivated through reinforcement methods.

• Ensure stimulus control strategies are applied frequently and immediately for optimal effectiveness.

Recap of Key Concepts

• Review different forms of stimulus control and their anticipated outcomes.

• Discuss examples of stimulus control methods in exercise contexts.

• Evaluate major findings regarding the effectiveness of stimulus control strategies.

• Be aware of potential implications and practical tips for applying BCTs effectively.