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Use of dynamic systems methods to characterize dyadic interactions in smoking cessation behavioural support sessions: A feasibility study
Author(s) -
Gainforth Heather Louise,
Lorencatto Fabiana,
Erickson Karl,
Baxter Kristy,
Owens Kailey,
Michie Susan,
West Robert
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1111/bjhp.12347
Subject(s) - psychology , reciprocity (cultural anthropology) , smoking cessation , observational study , applied psychology , reliability (semiconductor) , computer science , cognitive psychology , clinical psychology , social psychology , medicine , statistics , mathematics , pathology , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
Background Understanding how behaviour change techniques ( BCT s) operate in practice requires a method for characterizing the reciprocal, dynamic, and real‐time nature of behavioural support interactions between practitioners and clients. State space grids ( SSG s) are an observational, dynamic systems methodology used to map the trajectory of dyadic interactions in real time. By mapping the flow of events in terms of practitioner and client actions, SSG s are potentially well suited to characterize behavioural support sessions. Purpose To develop reliable methods and examine the feasibility of using the SSG methodology for characterizing practitioners’ delivery of and clients’ response to BCT s in smoking cessation behavioural support sessions. Methods Smoking cessation behavioural support sessions were video‐recorded and transcribed verbatim ( n = 6 recordings; 2,916 statements). All speech was coded independently by two researchers for content and duration using published frameworks for specifying practitioner‐delivered and client‐received BCT s in smoking cessation interactions. Inter‐rater reliability was assessed. Indices of practitioner–client interaction dynamics were derived: (1) reciprocity (i.e., attractor states, content congruence, conditional pairing) and (2) temporal patterning (i.e., variability, inter‐grid distance, combinatory micro‐patterning, sessional macropatterning). The extent to which indices can describe differences between sessions involving different practitioners and clients was examined. Results Inter‐rater reliability was moderate at 72% agreement. Indices of reciprocity and temporal patterning characterized differences between sessions involving different practitioners and clients. Conclusions State space grids provide a method for characterizing the complexity and variability of practitioner‐delivered and client‐received BCT s in behavioural support sessions. This method has potential to add explanatory value to smoking cessation intervention outcomes.Statement of Contribution What is already known on this subject?Frameworks exist for characterizing practitioner‐delivered and client‐received behaviour change techniques ( BCT s). Methods are still needed to investigate which BCTs are effective under what conditions. State space grids ( SSG s) are a dynamic systems method that may better characterize behavioural support interactions.What does this study add?First reliable, dynamic systems, SSG coding procedures, methods, and measures to characterize behavioural support. A method for examining reciprocality and temporal patterning of BCT delivery and receipt. Establishes a dynamic systems method that adds explanatory value to the outcomes of interventions.