Open AccessApplying Psychological Theories to Promote Long-Term Maintenance of Health Behaviors
Author(s) -
Rodney P. Joseph,
Casey L. Daniel,
Herpreet Thind,
Tanya J. Benitez,
Dori Pekmezi
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
american journal of lifestyle medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1559-8284
pISSN - 1559-8276
DOI - 10.1177/1559827614554594
Subject(s) - transtheoretical model , health promotion , psychological intervention , theory of planned behavior , behavior change , intervention (counseling) , social cognitive theory , medicine , psychological theory , health maintenance , applied psychology , health belief model , health behavior , term (time) , gerontology , psychology , psychotherapist , social psychology , public health , health care , nursing , physics , control (management) , management , environmental health , quantum mechanics , economics , economic growth
Behavioral health theory provides a framework for researchers to design, implement, and evaluate the effects of health promotion programs. However, limited research has examined theories used in interventions to promote long-term maintenance of health behaviors. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the available literature and identify prominent behavioral health theories used in intervention research to promote maintenance of health behaviors. We reviewed theories used in intervention research assessing long-term maintenance (≥ 6 months post-intervention) of physical activity, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Five prominent behavioral theories were referenced by the 34 studies included in the review: Self-Determination Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, Transtheoretical Model, and Social Ecological Model. Descriptions and examples of applications of these theories are provided. Implications for future research are discussed.