Specific Behavioral Changes Research Articles

Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis: Individual Differences in Mediators of Parenting Program Effects on Disruptive Behavior.

Although parenting programs are the most widely used approach to reduce children's disruptive behavior, there is a notable lack of understanding of the exact changes in parenting that underlie their effects. Challenges include the frequent use of composite measures of parenting behavior, and insufficient power to detect mediation effects and individual differences in these in individual trials. We pooled individual participant data from 14 European randomized controlled trials of social learning-based parenting programs to examine which specific parenting behaviors best explain program effects. Participants were 3,252 families with children aged 1 to 13 years. As putative mediators, we included parental use of praise, tangible rewards, physical discipline, harsh verbal discipline, and not following through on discipline. Additionally, we explored whether subgroups of families showing different mediational pathways exist. Changes in parenting partially mediated program effects, with all included parenting behaviors, except parental use of praise, serving as unique mediators. Less harsh verbal discipline and increased following through on discipline were the strongest mediators. We identified three subgroups with distinct responses to parenting programs. Most families benefited, partly through increased following through on discipline; those with the least or most difficulties were more likely to benefit less, or not at all. Our findings offer insight into the specific parenting behavior changes key to reducing disruptive child behavior, while highlighting the need for innovative research methodologies to gain a deeper understanding of individual differences in parenting program benefits and mechanisms.

Toxoplasma-induced behavior changes - is microbial dysbiosis the missing link?

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most successful intracellular protozoa in that it can infect the majority of mammalian cell types during the acute phase of infection. Furthermore, it is able to establish a chronic infection for the host's entire lifespan by developing an encysted parasite form, primarily in the muscles and brain of the host, to avoid the host immune system. The infection affects one third of the world population and poses an increased risk for people with a suppressed immune system. Despite the dormant characteristics of chronic T. gondii infection, there is much evidence suggesting that this infection leads to specific behavior changes in both humans and rodents. Although numerous hypotheses have been put forth, the exact mechanisms underlying these behavior changes have yet to be understood. In recent years, several studies revealed a strong connection between the gut microbiome and the different organ systems that are affected in T. gondii infection. While it is widely studied and accepted that acute T. gondii infection can lead to a dramatic disruption of the host's normal, well-balanced microbial ecosystem (microbial dysbiosis), changes in the gut microbiome during the chronic stage of infection has not been well characterized. This review is intended to briefly inspect the different hypotheses that attempt to explain the behavior changes during T. gondii infection. Furthermore, this review proposes to consider the potential link between gut microbial dysbiosis, and behavior changes in T. gondii infection as a novel way to describe the underlying mechanism.

Lysozyme 1 Inflamed CCR2+ Macrophages Promote Obesity-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction.

Macrophages are key players in obesity-associated cardiovascular diseases, which are marked by inflammatory and immune alterations. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying macrophage's role in obesity-induced cardiac inflammation are incompletely understood. Our study aimed to identify the key macrophage population involved in obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction and investigate the molecular mechanism that contributes to the inflammatory response. In this study, we used single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of Cd45+CD11b+F4/80+ cardiac macrophages to explore the heterogeneity of cardiac macrophages. The CCR2+ (C-C chemokine receptor 2) macrophages were specifically removed by a dual recombinase approach, and the macrophage CCR2 was deleted to investigate their functions. We also performed cleavage under target and tagmentation analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation-polymerase chain reaction, luciferase assay, and macrophage-specific lentivirus transfection to define the impact of lysozyme C in macrophages on obesity-induced inflammation. We find that the Ccr2 cluster undergoes a functional transition from homeostatic maintenance to proinflammation. Our data highlight specific changes in macrophage behavior during cardiac dysfunction under metabolic challenge. Consistently, inducible ablation of CCR2+CX3CR1+ macrophages or selective deletion of macrophage CCR2 prevents obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction. At the mechanistic level, we demonstrate that the obesity-induced functional shift of CCR2-expressing macrophages is mediated by the CCR2/activating transcription factor 3/lysozyme 1/NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) signaling. Finally, we uncover a noncanonical role for lysozyme 1 as a transcription activator, binding to the RelA promoter, driving NF-κB signaling, and strongly promoting inflammation and cardiac dysfunction in obesity. Our findings suggest that lysozyme 1 may represent a potential target for the diagnosis of obesity-induced inflammation and the treatment of obesity-induced heart disease.

Effect of a structured health promotional program using the self-support groups on lifestyle behavior: The Ath Waas Interventional Trial.

Ath Waas is a one-of-a-kind health promotion intervention that focuses on chronic disease prevention behaviors through peer support and social support network development. The goal of the study was to see how effective Ath Waas was in a city setting in India. From July 2018 to July 2019, we used a mixed-methods intervention research design including many sites. At 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 months, data were collected using participant surveys and in-person interviews. Throughout the research period, participants met in groups at least once a month to self-monitor health indicators, prepare and share a healthy snack, engage in physical activity, create a healthy lifestyle goal, and socialize. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test, and inferences were drawn thereof. There were statistically significant improvements in the majority of the domains of health from pre- to post-program, and 59% of participants reported specific behavioral changes as a result of their participation in the Ath Waas. Peer support, obtaining particular health knowledge, inspiration, motivation, or accountability, the empowering effect of monitoring one's own health indicators, overcoming social isolation, and knowing how to better access resources were all positive health outcomes. The mean knowledge scores for diabetes, hypertension, and nutrition in the first survey were 20.3 ± 2.1 and 5.2 ± 1.9 and in the last survey were 22.6 ± 3.1 (P < 0.05), 5.8 ± 2.4 (<.05), and 44.3 ± 3.9 (<0.001) after the intervention, respectively. The necessity to find novel approaches to chronic illness prevention and management drove the implementation and evaluation of Ath Waas. While more research is needed to confirm the current findings, it looks like Ath Waas could be a useful tool for empowering community members to support one another while promoting healthy lifestyle choices and recognizing early changes.Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2019/01/017028 (registered on 10/01/2019).

Facilitating self-management support using the behaviour change wheel (BCW) to address healthcare professionals’ behaviour

BackgroundSupporting self-management in healthcare practice is essential to improve chronic patients’ daily life experiences. Primary care professionals play an indispensable role in this. Nevertheless, supporting self-management in practice comes with many challenges. The aim of this study is to identify determinants of professionals’ supportive behaviour and develop an intervention that facilitates self-management support in primary care practice, using these determinants as building blocks. MethodsTo develop the intervention, the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) was used which involves eight steps in three stages: (1) Understanding the behaviour using the COM-B model, (2) Identifying intervention options, and (3) Identifying content and implementation options. The theoretical underpinnings for stage 1 included data from interviews, focus groups and brainstorm sessions, incorporated beforehand in a self-management support model. Subsequently, literature analysis, empirical research and expertise from the research group guided stages 2 and 3. ResultsWe found that changes in “psychological capability”, “physical opportunity”, “reflective motivation” and “automatic motivation” are required to optimize professionals’ behaviour towards self-management support. The two key intervention functions identified were “enablement” and “education”. Therefore, a blended learning trajectory that incorporated these interventional building blocks was developed, integrating specific behaviour change techniques (BCTs) including: (1) Information about social and environmental consequences, (2) Information about health consequences, and (3) Social support (practical). The learning design was finalized by applying the Absorb-Do-Connect learning framework developed by Horton. ConclusionsApplication of the BCW framework shaped a self-management support intervention to educate and enable healthcare professionals. Future research will pilot and refine the intervention.

인지행동치료 기반 인성교육 프로그램 개발 및 효과

Objectives This study aimed to develop and implement a character education program based on cognitive behav-ioral therapy(CBT) for university students and to verify its effectiveness. Methods This program, grounded in CBT, included psychoeducation, self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving training, and communication skills training. The study subjects were 35 university students ma-joring in child development and education, enrolled in the ‘Childcare Teacher Character Theory’ course offered during the second semester of 2022 at M University. The program was conducted over a total of 29 sessions, each lasting 75 minutes, held twice weekly. The effectiveness of the program was validated through pre- and post-as-sessments, using questionnaires to measure self-esteem, self-efficacy, depression, problem-solving ability, and psychological well-being. Additionally, content analysis was utilized to examine alterations in communication skills, along with specific cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes among the study subjects. Results The primary findings of this study are as follows. Firstly, significant differences were observed in self-es-teem, self-efficacy, problem-solving ability, and psychological well-being in the pre- and post-program assessments. Specifically, regarding depression, a significant difference was observed in the sub-factor of de-pressive affect. Secondly, the content analysis revealed that post-program implementation, there were seven positive changes observed across cognitive, emotional, and behavioral domains, including improvements in com-munication skills. Conclusions The character education program based on CBT for university students is expected to enhance self-esteem, self-efficacy, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and psychological well-being, while reducing depressive affect, thus contributing to the cultivation of character. This study is significant in that it has developed and verified the effectiveness of a systematic, evidence-based character education program tailored for university students.

Breaking the plastic habit: Drivers of single-use plastic reduction among Thai university students.

This study investigated the decision-making dynamics for pro-environmental behavior among Thai university students, focusing on reducing the consumption of single-use plastics (SUP). By adopting a dynamic approach to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research examined the influence of psychosocial factors, including attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, on SUP reduction intention at different phases of behavior change. Using structural equation modelling, we analyzed quantitative data (n = 317) from the selected universities. The results revealed that attitudes predicted behavioral intentions only among individuals in the contemplation phase of reducing SUP. Attitudes had a small but limited influence on the behavioral intentions of students who had not yet acted. Perceived behavioral control, on the other hand, significantly impacted behavioral intentions across all phases of behavior change, highlighting its importance in SUP reduction. The study also confirmed subjective norms' positive influence on students' behavioral intentions in the pre-contemplation phase. Practical implications suggested segmenting residents based on their behavior change phase so that public policymakers can allocate resources more efficiently and effectively by tailoring campaigns to specific behavior change phases, ultimately promoting sustainable behavior among university students.

Gray matter volume of functionally relevant primary motor cortex is causally related to learning a hand motor task.

Variability in brain structure is associated with the capacity for behavioral change. However, a causal link between specific brain areas and behavioral change (such as motor learning) has not been demonstrated. We hypothesized that greater gray matter volume of a primary motor cortex (M1) area active during a hand motor learning task is positively correlated with subsequent learning of the task, and that the disruption of this area blocks learning of the task. Healthy participants underwent structural MRI before learning a skilled hand motor task. Next, participants performed this learning task during fMRI to determine M1 areas functionally active during this task. This functional ROI was anatomically constrained with M1 boundaries to create a group-level "Active-M1" ROI used to measure gray matter volume in each participant. Greater gray matter volume in the left hemisphere Active-M1 ROI was related to greater motor learning in the corresponding right hand. When M1 hand area was disrupted with repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS), learning of the motor task was blocked, confirming its causal link to motor learning. Our combined imaging and rTMS approach revealed greater cortical volume in a task-relevant M1 area is causally related to learning of a hand motor task in healthy humans.

Behavior Change Approaches in Digital Technology-Based Physical Rehabilitation Interventions Following Stroke: Scoping Review.

Digital health technologies (DHTs) are increasingly used in physical stroke rehabilitation to support individuals in successfully engaging with the frequent, intensive, and lengthy activities required to optimize recovery. Despite this, little is known about behavior change within these interventions. This scoping review aimed to identify if and how behavior change approaches (ie, theories, models, frameworks, and techniques to influence behavior) are incorporated within physical stroke rehabilitation interventions that include a DHT. Databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and AMED) were searched using keywords relating to behavior change, DHT, physical rehabilitation, and stroke. The results were independently screened by 2 reviewers. Sources were included if they reported a completed primary research study in which a behavior change approach could be identified within a physical stroke rehabilitation intervention that included a DHT. Data, including the study design, DHT used, and behavior change approaches, were charted. Specific behavior change techniques were coded to the behavior change technique taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1). From a total of 1973 identified sources, 103 (5%) studies were included for data charting. The most common reason for exclusion at full-text screening was the absence of an explicit approach to behavior change (165/245, 67%). Almost half (45/103, 44%) of the included studies were described as pilot or feasibility studies. Virtual reality was the most frequently identified DHT type (58/103, 56%), and almost two-thirds (65/103, 63%) of studies focused on upper limb rehabilitation. Only a limited number of studies (18/103, 17%) included a theory, model, or framework for behavior change. The most frequently used BCTTv1 clusters were feedback and monitoring (88/103, 85%), reward and threat (56/103, 54%), goals and planning (33/103, 32%), and shaping knowledge (33/103, 32%). Relationships between feedback and monitoring and reward and threat were identified using a relationship map, with prominent use of both of these clusters in interventions that included virtual reality. Despite an assumption that DHTs can promote engagement in rehabilitation, this scoping review demonstrates that very few studies of physical stroke rehabilitation that include a DHT overtly used any form of behavior change approach. From those studies that did consider behavior change, most did not report a robust underpinning theory. Future development and research need to explicitly articulate how including DHTs within an intervention may support the behavior change required for optimal engagement in physical rehabilitation following stroke, as well as establish their effectiveness. This understanding is likely to support the realization of the transformative potential of DHTs in stroke rehabilitation.

Children exhibit a developmental advantage in the offline processing of a learned motor sequence

Changes in specific behaviors across the lifespan are frequently reported as an inverted-U trajectory. That is, young adults exhibit optimal performance, children are conceptualized as developing systems progressing towards this ideal state, and older adulthood is characterized by performance decrements. However, not all behaviors follow this trajectory, as there are instances in which children outperform young adults. Here, we acquired data from 7–35 and >55 year-old participants and assessed potential developmental advantages in motor sequence learning and memory consolidation. Results revealed no credible evidence for differences in initial learning dynamics among age groups, but 7- to 12-year-old children exhibited smaller sequence-specific learning relative to adolescents, young adults and older adults. Interestingly, children demonstrated the greatest performance gains across the 5 h and 24 h offline periods, reflecting enhanced motor memory consolidation. These results suggest that children exhibit an advantage in the offline processing of recently learned motor sequences.

Aggressiveness in Italian Children with ADHD: MAOA Gene Polymorphism Involvement.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that children and adults can develop. A complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors may underlie interindividual variability in ADHD and potentially related aggressive behavior. Using high-resolution molecular biology techniques, we investigated the impact of some MAOA and SLC6A4 variations on ADHD and aggressive behavior in a group of 80 Italian children with ADHD and in 80 healthy controls. We found that homozygous genotypes of MAOA rs6323 and rs1137070 were associated with an increased risk of ADHD (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively), whereas the heterozygous genotypes (GT of rs6323 and CT of rs1137030) (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0006) were strongly linked to a lower risk of developing this disorder. In patients with aggressive behavior, we highlighted only a weak negative association of both MAOA polymorphisms (heterozygous genotypes) with aggressiveness, suggesting that these genotypes may be protective towards specific changes in behavior (p = 0.05). Interestingly, an increase in the GG genotype of rs6323 (p = 0.01) and a decrease in GT genotype (p = 0.0005) was also found in patients without aggressive behavior compared to controls. Regarding 5HTT gene genotyping, no allele and genotype differences have been detected among patients and controls. Our work shows that defining a genetic profile of ADHD may help in the early detection of patients who are more vulnerable to ADHD and/or antisocial and aggressive behavior and to design precision-targeted therapies.

Transformative Business Models as an Accelerator for Digital Transformation of Women's Microenterprises

The issue of digital transformation is currently still a strategic program of the Indonesian government, especially for women micro-enterprises in the regions, as stated in the master plan for the development of the Indonesian digital industry 2023-2045 initiated by BAPPENAS RI. To strive for the achievement of a complete digital transformation, business entities, in this case, women's micro-enterprises must be willing to adopt new business models that are relevant to the needs of a more specific market and experience many behavioral changes in meeting their needs. In this context, the purpose of the research is to investigate how transformative business models can accelerate the digital transformation of women's micro-enterprises in Indonesia, especially in Tasikmalaya. We used a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews with 9 women micro-enterprises using a descriptive coding approach. The contribution of the results of this study explains that transformative business models can accelerate the digital transformation of women's micro-business entities as reflected in how to determine Value Proposition, Functional Architecture, Value Architecture that are relevant to the conditions of digital industry development in Indonesia. However, the results of this study reflect that product innovation is the lowest part carried out by women micro business actors

Oxytocin-induced birth causes sex-specific behavioral and brain connectivity changes in developing rat offspring

Despite six decades of the use of exogenous oxytocin for management of labor, little is known about its effects on the developing brain. Motivated by controversial reports suggesting a link between oxytocin use during labor and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), we employed our recently validated rat model for labor induction with oxytocin to address this important concern. Using a combination of molecular biological, behavioral, and neuroimaging assays, we show that induced birth with oxytocin leads to sex-specific disruption of oxytocinergic signaling in the developing brain, decreased communicative ability of pups, reduced empathy-like behaviors especially in male offspring, and widespread sex-dependent changes in functional cortical connectivity. Contrary to our hypothesis, social behavior, typically impaired in ASDs, was largely preserved. Collectively, our foundational studies provide nuanced insights into the neurodevelopmental impact of birth induction with oxytocin and set the stage for mechanistic investigations in animal models and prospective longitudinal clinical studies.

'EMERALD' online early intervention programme for psychological well-being: A detailed description using the TIDieR checklist.

The rising prevalence of mental health symptoms brought on by the COVID19 pandemic led to the inception and development of EMERging Anxiety, Loneliness, Depression (EMERALD) well-being programme. EMERALD was designed to improve psychological well-being of the general population who had not previously sought mental health support. The programme incorporated a focus on lifestyle medicine and was underpinned by solution focused health coaching. The aim of the paper is to describe the programme according to the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist to provide detailed reporting of the intervention's elements. The TIDieR checklist was utilised to comprehensively describe the programme, including theoretical underpinnings, materials, procedures, providers, mode of delivery and tailoring of the programme. The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v2 was used to identify the specific behaviour change techniques used within the solution focused health coaching framework. The programme was developed to align with the latest evidence-based literature in lifestyle medicine and solution focused coaching. The programme also offered allied health expertise, online educational modules and was tailored to the participants. The programme was delivered online through a telehealth platform. The TIDieR checklist has enabled the provision of a detailed structure of the EMERALD program intervention. The behaviour change taxonomy has facilitated the outlining of specific techniques used in health coaching sessions. Both structures have operationalised the detail of the intervention for the purposes of replication and informing the literature.

Administering a Behavioral Test Battery in Rodents.

Although animal models cannot broadly represent uniquely human psychiatric or psychological syndromes such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, behavioral testing in rodents can be extremely helpful to investigate specific disease aspects and symptoms. Animal behavioral test batteries allow researchers to reveal specific behavioral changes in genetically modified mice or following targeted treatments or in response to environmental interventions. Examples of types of behaviors that can be combined in a test battery include anxiety-like behavior, learning and memory, depression-relevant behavior, social interaction, and locomotor hyperactivity. Here, we describe several commonly used and relatively simple behavioral tests which can be combined in the same cohort of animals.

Blueprints: Systematizing Behavior Change Designs—The Case of Social Comparison Theory

To improve people’s lives, human-computer interaction researchers are increasingly designing technological solutions based on behavior change theory, such as social comparison theory (SCT). However, how researchers operationalize such a theory as a design remains largely unclear. One way to clarify this methodological step is to clearly state which functional elements of a design are aimed at operationalizing a specific behavior change theory construct to evaluate if such aims were successful. In this article, we investigate how the operationalization of functional elements of theories and designs can be more easily conveyed. First, we present a scoping review of the literature to determine the state of operationalizations of SCT as behavior change designs. Second, we introduce a new tool to facilitate the operationalization process. We term the tool blueprints . A blueprint explicates essential functional elements of a behavior change theory by describing it in relation to necessary and sufficient building blocks incorporated in a design. We describe the process of developing a blueprint for SCT. Last, we illustrate how the blueprint can be used during the design refinement and reflection process.

Healthy adults' views and experiences on behavior change strategies in mobile applications for diet monitoring: A single centre qualitative study.

Mobile diet apps assist in tracking nutritional intake and managing healthy eating diets. Effective diet apps incorporate specific population-tailored behavior change strategies (BCS) for user engagement and adherence to healthy diets. Malaysians have their unique behaviors and customs surrounding food and diet. This study aims to explore the perceptions, views, and experiences of healthy Malaysian adults with diet monitoring apps, by focusing on the BCS that engages users to use diet mobile apps and adhere to a healthy diet. A qualitative approach utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews was conducted using a topic guide based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and trigger materials. Twenty interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Five themes emerged from the data, which are; instilling self-awareness, closed online group support, shaping knowledge, personalization, and user-friendly design. Influence by one's social circle and attractiveness of app features may initiate users' interest and help them engage with mobile diet apps, but the app's ability to raise awareness of progress and impart useful knowledge help them adhere and comply to a healthier diet in the long run. The results from this study may help improve the behavior change strategy features of mobile diet apps for Malaysian adults.

How Participatory Health Informatics Catalyzes One Digital Health.

To identify links between Participatory Health Informatics (PHI) and the One Digital Health framework (ODH) and to show how PHI could be used as a catalyst or contributor to ODH. We have analyzed the addressed topics within the ODH framework in previous IMIA Yearbook contributions from our working group during the last 10 years. We have matched main themes with the ODH's framework three perspectives (individual health and wellbeing, population and society, and ecosystem). PHI catalysts ODH individual health and wellbeing perspective by providing a more comprehensive view on human health, attitudes, and relations between human health and animal health. Integration of specific behavior change techniques or gamification strategies in digital solutions are effective to change behaviors which address the P5 paradigm. PHI supports the population and society perspective through the engagement of the various stakeholders in healthcare. At the same time, PHI might increase a risk for health inequities due to technologies inaccessible to all equally and challenges associated with this. PHI is a catalyst for the ecosystem perspective by contributing data into the digital health data ecosystem allowing for analysis of interrelations between the various data which in turn might provide links among all components of the healthcare ecosystem. Our results suggest that PHI can and will involve topics relating to ODH. As the ODH concept crystalizes and becomes increasingly influential, its themes will permeate and become embedded in PHI even more. We look forward to these developments and co-evolution of the two frameworks.

The effect of nurse-led diabetes self-management programmes on glycosylated haemoglobin levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review.

This review aimed to examine the content, frequency, duration, and outcomes of nurse-led diabetes self-management programmes on glycosylated haemoglobin levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes self-management programmes improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes to acquire specific behavioural changes and develop effective problem-solving skills. A systematic review was used in this study. PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid, CINAHL, Proquest and Scopus databases were searched for studies published in English until February 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. This study followed the recommendations of the Cochrane 2022 guidelines and was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis. Eight studies with 1747 participants met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included telephone coaching, consultation services and individual and group education. The duration of the intervention ranged from 3 to 15 months. The results showed that nurse-led diabetes self-management programmes had positive and clinically significant effects on glycosylated haemoglobin levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. These findings highlight the important role of nurses in improving self-management and achieving glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The positive outcomes of this review offer suggestions for health care professionals to develop effective self-management programnmes in type 2 diabetes treatment and care.

Healthy for some but not for all: The moderating role of BMI on perceived health climate–insomnia relationship

AbstractThis study examines the mediated relationship between perceived health climate and insomnia via exhaustion, and whether the mediation effect is weaker for individuals with higher body mass index (BMI). Results from multi‐wave field data revealed that perceived health climate negatively predicted insomnia through reduced exhaustion. Moreover, the mediation effect was weaker among people with higher BMI (obese individuals) than people with lower BMI (non‐obese individuals). This study expands our understanding of the workplace health climate and its unintended consequences for obese individuals. Also, it encourages practitioners to develop health climate promotion programmes that intend to reduce employee exhaustion first prior to specific behavioural changes and takes into account individual differences.