Situating interventions to bridge the intention-behaviour gap: A framework for recruiting nonconscious processes for behaviour change

Papies, E. K. (2017) Situating interventions to bridge the intention-behaviour gap: A framework for recruiting nonconscious processes for behaviour change. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 11(7), e12323. (doi: 10.1111/spc3.12323)

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Abstract

This paper presents a situated cognition framework for creating social psychological interventions to bridge the intention–behaviour gap and illustrates this framework by reviewing examples from the domains of health behaviour, environmental behaviour, stereotyping, and aggression. A recurrent problem in behaviour change is the fact that often, intentions are not translated into behaviour, causing the so-called intention–behaviour gap. Here, it is argued that this happens when situational cues trigger situated conceptualizations, such as habits, impulses, hedonic goals, or stereotypical associations, which can then guide behaviour automatically. To be effective in changing such automatic effects, behaviour change interventions can attempt to change situational cues through cueing interventions such as priming, nudging, upstream policy interventions, or reminders of social norms. Alternatively, behaviour change interventions can attempt to change the underlying situated conceptualizations through training interventions, such as behavioural inhibition training, mindfulness training, or implementation intentions. Examples of situated behaviour change interventions of both types will be discussed across domains, along with recommendations to situate interventions more strongly and thus enhance their effectiveness to change automatic behaviour. Finally, the discussion addresses the difference between tailoring and situating interventions, issues of generalization and long-term effectiveness, and avenues for further research.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Papies, Dr Esther
Authors: Papies, E. K.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
Journal Name:Social and Personality Psychology Compass
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1751-9004
ISSN (Online):1751-9004
Published Online:04 July 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Author
First Published:First published in Social and Personality Psychology Compass 11(7): e12323
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

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