Applying Psychological Theories to Promote Long-Term Maintenance of Health Behaviors

2014/10/29 by Rodney P. Joseph, Casey L. Daniel, Herpreet Thind +2 · 1 citation
Psychology · Medicine · Health Professions · #Behavioral Health and Interventions #Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet #School Health and Nursing Education #Medicine #Term (time) #Health maintenance #Health behavior #Long-term care #Applied psychology #Psychiatry #Health care #Environmental health

paper · doi:10.1177/1559827614554594

openalex publication_date 2014/10/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

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.

Citations

• The internet‐based arthritis self‐management program: A one‐year randomized trial for patients with arthritis or fibromyalgia
• The "What" and "Why" of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior
• A Comparison of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Theory of Reasoned Action
• Long-term maintenance of weight loss: Current status.
• Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being.

Cited by

• Persuasive technology [wikipedia]

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