Abstract
ABSTRACTGroup-based interventions are widely used to promote health-related behaviour change. While processes operating in groups have been extensively described, it remains unclear how behaviour change is generated in group-based health-related behaviour-change interventions. Understanding how such interventions facilitate change is important to guide intervention design and process evaluations. We employed a mixed-methods approach to identify, map and define change processes operating in group-based behaviour-change interventions. We reviewed multidisciplinary literature on group dynamics, taxonomies of change technique categories, and measures of group processes. Using weight-loss groups as an exemplar, we also reviewed qualitative studies of participants’ experiences and coded transcripts of 38 group sessions from three weight-loss interventions. Finally, we consulted group participants, facilitators and researchers about our developing synthesis of findings. The resulting ‘Mechanisms of Action in Group-based Interventions’ (MAGI) framework comprises six overarching categories: (1) group intervention design features, (2) facilitation techniques, (3) group dynamic and development processes, (4) inter-personal change processes, (5) selective intra-personal change processes operating in groups, and (6) contextual influences. The framework provides theoretical explanations of how change occurs in group-based behaviour-change interventions and can be applied to optimise their design and delivery, and to guide evaluation, facilitator training and further research.
Highlights
Understanding mechanisms by which interventions facilitate psychological and behaviour change are crucial to developing effective interventions
We aimed to develop an integrative framework of group features and interpersonal change processes operating in group-based behaviourchange interventions (GB-BCIs) by synthesising current knowledge about groups in the fields of group dynamics and behaviour change research
We focused on face-to-face adult groups that target health-related behaviour changes, using the example of diet and physical activity behaviourchange interventions to promote weight loss and prevention of weight-related conditions
Summary
Understanding mechanisms by which interventions facilitate (or impede) psychological and behaviour change are crucial to developing effective interventions.
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