Reflections on Past Behavior: A Self‐Report Index of Habit Strength1

2003/06/01 by Bas Verplanken, Sheina Orbell · 2,025 citations
Environmental Science · Neuroscience · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Automaticity #Behavioral Health and Interventions #Cognition #Cognitive psychology #Computer science #Developmental psychology #Environmental Education and Sustainability #Habit #Index (typography) #Neuroscience #Psychology #Social and Intergroup Psychology #Social psychology

paper · doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2003.tb01951.x

published in Journal of Applied Social Psychology 33(6), 1313-1330 (Wiley)

openalex publication_date 2003/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04

Abstract

We argue that habit is a psychological construct, rather than simply past behavioral frequency. In 4 studies, a 12‐item index of habit strength (the Self‐Report Habit Index, SRHI) was developed on the basis of features of habit; that is, a history of repetition, automaticity (lack of control and awareness, efficiency), and expressing identity. High internal and test‐retest reliabilities were found. The SRHI correlated strongly with past behavioral frequency and the response frequency measure of habit (Verplanken, Aarts, van Knippenberg, & van Knippenberg, 1994). The index discriminated between behaviors varying in frequency, and also between daily vs. weekly habits. The SRHI may be useful as a dependent variable, or to determine or monitor habit strength without measuring behavioral frequency.

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