The automatic component of habit in health behavior: habit as cue-contingent automaticity. Habit, identity, and repetitive action: a prospective study of binge-drinking in UK students. Targeting habits in anorexia nervosa: a proof-of-concept randomized trial. More than resisting temptation: Beneficial habits mediate the relationship between self-control and positive life outcomes. ‘On Your Feet to Earn Your Seat’, a habit-based intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial On Your Feet to Earn Your Seat: pilot RCT of a theory-based sedentary behaviour reduction intervention for older adults The power of habits: unhealthy snacking behaviour is primarily predicted by habit strength. A social cognitive theory-based programme for eating patterns and sedentary activity among overweight adolescents in Makassar, South Sulawesi : a cluster randomised controlled trial. Healthy feeding habits: efficacy results from a cluster-randomized, controlled exploratory trial of a novel, habit-based intervention with parents. Association of dietary habits with levels of physical activity and screen time among adolescents living in Saudi Arabia. How well do cognitive and environmental variables predict active commuting? Healthy habits: efficacy of simple advice on weight control based on a habit-formation model The Master Questionnaire: preliminary report on an obesity assessment device. Promoting healthy eating and physical activity among school children: findings from Health-E-PALS, the first pilot intervention from Lebanon Physiological and behavioural outcomes of a randomised controlled trial of a cognitive behavioural lifestyle intervention for overweight and obese adolescents. Sleep habits and circadian preference in Italian children and adolescents. Applying psychological theories to evidence-based clinical practice: identifying factors predictive of placing preventive fissure sealants Does action planning moderate the intention-habit interaction in the exercise domain? A three-way interaction analysis investigation Psychosocial correlates of physical activity and sedentary leisure habits in young adolescents: the Teens Eating for Energy and Nutrition at School study. The reliability of self-reports of smoking and alcohol consumption by pregnant women. Self-determined, autonomous regulation of eating behavior is related to lower body mass index in a nationwide survey of middle-aged women. Familial and cultural perceptions and beliefs of oral hygiene and dietary practices among ethnically and socio-economicall diverse groups. Lifestyle correlates of self-reported sleep duration among Saudi adolescents: a multicentre school-based cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE Habit might be usefully characterized as a form of automaticity that involves the association of a cue and a response . Three studies examined habitual automaticity in regard to different aspects of the cue-response relationship characteristic of unhealthy and healthy habits . DESIGN , MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES , AND RESULTS In each study , habitual automaticity was assessed by the  Self-Report Habit Index ( SRHI ) . In Study 1 SRHI scores correlated with attentional bias to smoking cues in a Stroop task . Study 2 examined the ability of a habit cue to elicit an unwanted habit response . In a prospect i ve field study , habitual automaticity in relation to smoking when drinking alcohol in a licensed public house ( pub ) predicted the likelihood of cigarette-related action slips 2 months later after smoking in pubs had become illegal . In Study 3 experimental group participants formed an implementation  intention to floss  in response to a specified situational cue . Habitual automaticity of dental flossing  was rapidly enhanced compared to controls . CONCLUSION The studies provided three different demonstrations of the importance of cues in the automatic operation of habits . Habitual automaticity assessed by the SRHI captured aspects of a habit that go beyond mere frequency or consistency of the behavior OBJECTIVES Repeated action can lead to the formation of habits and identification as ' the kind of person ' that performs the behaviour . This has led to the suggestion that identity- relevance is a facet of habit . This study explores conceptual overlap between habit and identity , and examines where the two constructs fit into an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour ( TPB ) model of binge-drinking among university students . DESIGN Prospect i ve , question naire-based correlational design . METHODS A total of 167 UK university students completed baseline measures of past behaviour , self-identity , the Self-Report Habit Index ( SRHI ) , and TPB constructs . One week later , 128 participants completed a follow-up behaviour measure . RESULTS Factor analyses of the SRHI and four identity items revealed two correlated but distinct factors , relating to habit and identity , respectively . Hierarchical regression analyses of intention and behaviour showed that identity contributed over and above TPB constructs to the prediction of intention , whereas habit predicted behaviour directly , and interacted with intentions in predicting behaviour . Habits unexpectedly strengthened the intention-behaviour relation , such that strong intenders were more likely to binge-drink where they also had strong habits . CONCLUSIONS Identity and habit are conceptually discrete and impact differently on binge-drinking . Findings have implication s for habit theory and measurement . Recommendations for student alcohol consumption reduction initiatives are offered BACKGROUND Habits are behavioral routines that are automatic and frequent , relatively independent of any desired outcome , and have potent antecedent cues . Among individuals with anorexia nervosa ( AN ) , behaviors that promote the starved state appear habitual , and this is the foundation of a recent neurobiological model of AN . In this proof-of-concept study , we tested the habit model of AN by examining the impact of an intervention focused on antecedent cues for eating disorder routines . METHODS The primary intervention target was habit strength ; we also measured clinical impact via eating disorder psychopathology and actual eating . Twenty-two hospitalized patients with AN were r and omly assigned to 12 sessions of either Supportive Psychotherapy or a behavioral intervention aim ed at cues for maladaptive behavioral routines , Regulating Emotions and Changing Habits ( REaCH ) . RESULTS Covarying for baseline , REaCH was associated with a significantly lower Self-Report Habit Index ( SRHI ) score and significantly lower Eating Disorder Examination- Question naire ( EDE-Q ) global score at the end-of-treatment . The end-of-treatment effect size for SRHI was d = 1.28 , for EDE-Q was d = 0.81 , and for caloric intake was d = 1.16 . CONCLUSIONS REaCH changed habit strength of maladaptive routines more than an active control therapy , and targeting habit strength yielded improvement in clinical ly meaningful measures . These findings support a habit-based model of AN , and suggest habit strength as a mechanism-based target for intervention Why does self-control predict such a wide array of positive life outcomes ? Conventional wisdom holds that self-control is used to effortfully inhibit maladaptive impulses , yet this view conflicts with emerging evidence that self-control is associated with less inhibition in daily life . We propose that one of the reasons individuals with better self-control use less  effortful inhibition  , yet make better progress on their goals is that they rely on beneficial habits . Across 6 studies ( total N = 2,274 ) , we found support for this hypothesis . In Study 1 , habits for eating healthy snacks , exercising , and getting consistent sleep mediated the effect of self-control on both increased automaticity and lower reported effortful inhibition in enacting those behaviors . In Studies 2 and 3 , study habits mediated the effect of self-control on reduced motivational interference during a work-leisure conflict and on greater ability to study even under difficult circumstances . In Study 4 , homework habits mediated the effect of self-control on classroom engagement and homework completion . Study 5 was a prospect i ve longitudinal study of teenage youth who participated in a 5-day meditation retreat .  Better self-control before the retreat predicted stronger meditation habits 3 months after the retreat , and habits mediated the effect of self-control on successfully accomplishing meditation practice goals . Finally , in Study 6 , study habits mediated the effect of self-control on homework completion and 2 objective ly measured long-term academic outcomes : grade point average and first-year college persistence . Collectively , these results suggest that beneficial habits-perhaps more so than effortful inhibition-are an important factor linking self-control with positive life outcomes Background Many older adults are both highly sedentary ( that is , spend considerable amounts of time sitting ) and physically inactive ( that is , do little physical activity ) . This protocol describes an exploratory trial of a theory-based behaviour change intervention in the form of a booklet outlining simple activities ( ‘ tips ’ ) design ed both to reduce sedentary behaviour and to increase physical activity in older adults . The intervention is based on the ‘ habit formation ’ model , which proposes that consistent repetition leads to behaviour becoming automatic , sustaining activity gains over time . Methods The intervention is being developed iteratively , in line with Medical Research Council complex intervention guidelines . Selection of activity tips was informed by semi-structured interviews and focus groups with older adults , and input from a multidisciplinary expert panel . An ongoing preliminary field test of acceptability among 25 older adults will inform further refinement . An exploratory r and omized controlled trial will be conducted within a primary care setting , comparing the tips booklet with a control fact sheet . Retired , inactive and sedentary adults ( n = 120 ) aged 60 to 74 years , with no physical impairments precluding light physical activity , will be recruited from general practice s in north London , UK . The primary outcomes are recruitment and attrition rates . Secondary outcomes are changes in behaviour , habit , health and wellbeing over 12 weeks . Discussion Data will be used to inform study procedures for a future , larger-scale definitive r and omized controlled trial . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT N47901994 Background Of all age groups , older adults spend most of the time sitting and are least physically active . This sequential , mixed- methods feasibility study used a r and omised controlled trial design to assess methods for trialling a habit-based intervention to displace older adults ’ sedentary behaviour with light activity and explore impact on behavioural outcomes . Methods Eligibility criteria were age 60–74 years , retired , and ≥6 h/day leisure sitting . Data were collected across four sites in Engl and . The intervention comprised a booklet outlining 15 ‘ tips ’ for disrupting sedentary habits and integrating activity habits into normally inactive setting s , and eight weekly self-monitoring sheets . The control was a non-habit-based factsheet promoting activity and sedentary reduction . A computer-generated 1:1 block-r and omisation schedule was used , with participants blinded to allocation . Participants self-reported sedentary behaviour ( two indices ) , sedentary habit , physical activity ( walking , moderate , vigorous activity ) and activity habit , at pre-treatment baseline , 8- and 12-week follow-ups and were interviewed at 12 weeks . Primary feasibility outcomes were attrition , adverse events and intervention adherence . The secondary outcome was behavioural change . Results Of 104 participants consented , 103 were r and omised ( intervention N = 52 , control N = 51 ) . Of 98 receiving allocated treatment , 91 ( 93 % ; intervention N = 45 ; control N = 46 ) completed the trial . One related adverse event was reported in the intervention group . Mean per-tip adherence across 7 weeks was ≥50 % for 9/15 tips . Qualitative data suggested acceptability of procedures , and , particularly among intervention recipients , the allocated treatment . Both groups appeared to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase their physical activity , but there were no apparent differences between groups in the extent of change . Conclusions Trial methods were acceptable and feasible , but the intervention conferred no apparent advantage over control , though it was not trialled among the most sedentary and inactive population for whom it was developed . Further development of the intervention may be necessary prior to a large-scale definitive trial . One possible refinement would combine elements of the intervention with an informational approach to enhance effectiveness . Trial registration IS RCT N47901994 ( registration date : 16th January 2014 ; trial end date 30th April 2015 OBJECTIVE Although increasing evidence shows the importance of habits in explaining health behaviour , many studies still rely solely on predictors that emphasize the role of conscious intentions . The present study was design ed to test the importance of habit strength in explaining  unhealthy snacking behaviour  in a large representative community sample ( N= 1,103 ) . To test our hypothesis that habits are crucial when explaining unhealthy snacking behaviour , their role was compared to the ' Power of Food ' , a related construct that addresses sensitivity to food cues in the environment . Moreover , the relation between Power of Food and unhealthy snacking habits was assessed . DESIGN AND METHODS A prospect i ve design was used to determine the impact of habits in relation to intention , Power of Food and a number of demographic variables . One month after filling out the question naire , including measures of  habit strength and Power of Food , participants reported their unhealthy snacking behaviour by means of a 7-day snack diary . RESULTS Results showed that habit strength was the most important predictor , outperforming all other variables in explaining unhealthy snack intake . CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate that snacking habits provide a unique contribution in explaining unhealthy snacking behaviour , stressing the importance of addressing habit strength in further research and interventions concerning unhealthy snacking behaviour BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Social cognitive theory provides the opportunity for program development to enhance healthy personal behvioural characteristics . We devised study to employ social cognitive theory to reduce snacking habits and sedentary activity among overweight adolescents . METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN Eight junior high schools in Makassar city were r and omly assigned as intervention and control schools . A total of 238 overweight students aged 11 - 15 years ( BMI z-score > = 1 SD , according to a 2007 report from the WHO ) were recruited . Adolescents from the intervention schools attended 12 weekly 75-min nutrition education group sessions , which focused on behavioural modification assisted by trained facilitators ; furthermore , their parents received weekly nutrition education leaflets . Adolescents from the control schools , but not their parents , received leaflets on evidence d-based nutrition information . The BMI z-scores , waist circumference , snacking habits , sedentary activity , and the adolescents ' self-efficacy data were assessed prior to and after 3 months of intervention . The outcomes were analysed on an intent-to-treat basis . RESULTS Compared with the control group , the intervention group showed a higher reduction in BMI z-scores ( -0.08 ; p<0.05 ) and waist circumference ( -1.5 ; p<0.05 ) at 3 months . Significant between-group differences were also observed for decreased snacking habits , but not for sedentary activity . Additionally , the programme improved self-efficacy for reducing these behaviours . Mean compliance and satisfaction with the programme were 95 % and 92 % , respectively . CONCLUSIONS These high reduction rates suggest that the programme is promising and may address the problem of overweightness in adolescents . Additional studies are required to develop the programme in community setting BACKGROUND As dietary gatekeepers for young children , parents are often the proximal target of family-based dietary interventions . Habit theory offers a novel approach to modifying parental feeding , based on " context -dependent repetition " to promote automatic responding and to reduce decisional conflict . OBJECTIVE This exploratory trial evaluated an intervention promoting habit formation for 3 parental feeding behaviors : serving fruit/vegetables , serving healthy snacks , and serving nonsweetened drinks . The primary outcome was parental habit strength for each behavior . The secondary outcome was children 's food intake . DESIGN Parents of children aged 2 - 6 y ( n = 126 ) were recruited from 6 children 's centers in London and cluster-r and omized to intervention ( n = 3 ) or no-treatment control ( n = 3 ) conditions . Parents in the  intervention group ( n = 58 ) received training on habit formation for 3 feeding behaviors ; control  participants ( n = 68 ) were asked only to complete the measures . At baseline and after treatment , parents completed vali date d measures of subjective " automaticity " for feeding behaviors and a brief child food-frequency measure . Parents in the intervention group were interviewed about the program . The change between groups , after clustering was controlled for , was analyzed . RESULTS For all parental feeding behaviors , automaticity increased more in the intervention group than in the control group ( P < 0.01 for all ) . Significant intervention effects on children 's intake of vegetables ( P = 0.003 ) , healthy snacks ( P = 0.009 ) , and water ( P = 0.032 ) were observed . Changes in children 's food intake correlated with changes in parental automaticity of feeding behaviors , and program acceptability was high . CONCLUSIONS A habit-based intervention successfully modified parental feeding behaviors , affected children 's diets positively , and was well received by parents . Habit theory provides a promising new tool to support family-based obesity prevention . This trial was registered as IS RCT N09910187 BACKGROUND Underst and ing the inter-relationships between lifestyle factors in youth is important with respect to the development of effective promotional programmes for healthy eating and active living . The present study aim ed to explore the associations of dietary habits ( DH ) with physical activity ( PA ) and screen time ( ST )  among Saudi adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years of age relative to gender . METHODS Data were obtained from the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study , a school-based multicentre lifestyle study conducted in 2009/2010 in three major cities in Saudi Arabia . A multistage stratified cluster r and om sampling technique was used . The number of participants with complete data for  DH  and  PA  was 2886 and the respective number for DH and ST was 2822 . Assessment included weight , height , body mass index , total daily ST ( television viewing , video/computer games and Internet use ) , PA and DH using self-reported question naires . RESULTS Females were significantly more sedentary and less active than males ( P < 0.001 ) . Two-way analysis of covariance , controlling for age , showed significant ( P < 0.05 ) gender by PA and gender by ST interactions for several DH . Logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations of higher PA with a higher consumption of fruit , vegetables , milk , French fries/potato chips and energy drinks , whereas higher ST was significantly associated with a higher consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks , fast foods , cake/doughnuts and energy drinks . CONCLUSIONS Healthful dietary habits were associated mostly with  PA  , whereas sedentary behaviours , independent of PA , negatively impacted upon eating behaviours . The low PA levels and high sedentary levels of Saudi females represent a great concern . The results reported in the present study have important implication s for both youth public health policies and intervention programmes Background In recent years , there has been growing interest in theoretical studies integrating cognitions and environmental variables in the prediction of behaviour related to the obesity epidemic . This is the approach adopted in the present study in reference to the theory of planned behaviour . More precisely , the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of cognitive and environmental variables in the prediction of active commuting to get to and from work or school . Methods A prospect i ve study was carried out with 130 undergraduate and graduate students ( 93 females ; 37 males ) .  Environmental , cognitive and socio-demographic variables  were evaluated at baseline by question naire . Two weeks later , active commuting ( walking/bicycling ) to get to and from work or school was self-reported by question naire . Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to predict intention and behaviour . Results The model predicting behaviour based on cognitive variables explained more variance than the model based on environmental variables ( 37.4 % versus 26.8 % ; Z = 3.86 , p < 0.001 ) . Combining cognitive and environmental variables with socio-demographic variables to predict behaviour yielded a final model explaining 41.1 % ( p < 0.001 ) of the variance . The significant determinants were intention , habit and age . Concerning intention , the same procedure yielded a final model explaining 78.2 % ( p < 0.001 ) of the variance , with perceived behavioural control , attitude and habit being the significant determinants . Conclusion The results showed that cognitive variables play a more important role than environmental variables in predicting and explaining active commuting . When environmental variables were significant , they were mediated by cognitive variables . Therefore , individual cognitions should remain one of the main focuses of interventions promoting active commuting among undergraduate and graduate students Objective : To evaluate the efficacy of a simple weight loss intervention , based on principles of habit formation . Design : An exploratory trial in which overweight and obese adults were r and omized either to a habit-based intervention condition ( with two subgroups given weekly vs monthly weighing ; n=33 , n=36 ) or to a waiting-list control condition ( n=35 ) over 8 weeks . Intervention participants were followed up for 8 months . Participants : A total of 104 adults ( 35 men , 69 women ) with an average BMI of 30.9 kg m−2.Intervention : Intervention participants were given a leaflet containing advice on habit formation and simple recommendations for eating and activity behaviours promoting negative energy balance , together with a self-monitoring checklist . Main outcome measures : Weight change over 8 weeks in the intervention condition compared with the control condition and weight loss maintenance over 32 weeks in the intervention condition . Results : At 8 weeks , people in the intervention condition had lost significantly more weight ( mean=2.0 kg ) than those in the control condition ( 0.4 kg ) , with no difference between weekly and monthly weighing subgroups . At 32 weeks , those who remained in the study had lost an average of 3.8 kg , with 54 % losing 5 % or more of their body weight . An intention-to-treat analysis ( based on last-observation-carried-forward ) reduced this to 2.6 kg , with 26 % achieving a 5 % weight loss . Conclusions : This easily disseminable , low-cost , simple intervention produced clinical ly significant weight loss . In limited re source setting s it has potential as a tool for obesity management Behavioral obesity research ers are increasingly concerned with thorough assessment of obesity . The present report describes the preliminary testing and refinement of the Master Question naire ( MQ ) , a true-false scale developed expressly for use in obesity research . It was initially divided into four subscales : Spouse Support , Energy Balance Habits , Cognitive Factors , and Energy Balance Knowledge , and was intended for use as an outcome measure and as a predictor of change in obesity status . Its stability , internal consistency , sensitivity to treatment-related change , and predictive validity were examined . Test-retest reliability and sensitivity to treatment-related change were each found to be acceptable for three out of four subscales . Two subscales , Energy Balance Knowledge and Cognitive Factors , predicted outcome . The major weakness of the subscales was a lack of unidimensionality which would limit their utility . Cluster and factor analyses were used to develop five new subscales with acceptable levels of internal consistency . While some additional development and validation is still needed , the available evidence suggests that we have the nucleus of a strong assessment tool for obesity research Background In Lebanon , childhood obesity doubled during the past decade . Preventive measures should start early in life and Schools are considered an important environment to promote energy balance health behaviours . School-based programmes promoting healthy lifestyles are lacking . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multicomponent school-based intervention to promote healthy eating and physical activity ( and prevent obesity ) with school children aged 9–11 years in Lebanon . Methods The intervention was developed based on the constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory and adapted to the culture of Lebanese and Arab population s. It consisted of three components : class curriculum , family involvement and food service .  Eight schools were purposively selected from two communities of different socioeconomic status ( SES ) in Beirut and , within each school type , were matched on SES , religious sect profile , and then r and omly assigned to either the intervention or control group . Anthropometric measurements and question naires on determinants of behavioural change , eating and physical activity habits were completed by the students in both groups at baseline and post intervention . Focus group interviews were conducted in intervention schools at the end of the study . Challenges encountered during the programme implementation were also identified , since Lebanon is considered a country with political unrest and no similar research projects were conducted in the area . Results Students in the intervention group reported purchasing and consuming less chips and sweetened drinks post-intervention compared with controls ( 86 % & 88 % less respectively p < 0.001 ) . Knowledge and self-efficacy scores increased for the intervention ( + 2.8 & + 1.7 points respectively p < 0.001 ) but not for the control group . There was no difference in physical activity and screen time habits and no changes in BMI between groups at post intervention . Interview data from focus groups showed that the programme was generally well accepted . Limitations for better outcomes include the length of the programme and the school environment . Conclusion “ Health-E-PALS ” intervention is a promising innovative , theory-based , culturally sensitive intervention to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity in Lebanese school children with a potential to be scaled up , replicated and sustained AIM This study evaluates the efficacy of the Choose Health program , a family-based cognitive behavioural lifestyle program targeting improved eating and activity habits , in improving body composition , cardiovascular fitness , eating and activity behaviours in overweight and obese adolescents . METHOD The sample comprised 29 male and 34 female overweight ( n = 15 ) or obese ( n = 48 ) adolescents aged 11.5 - 18.9 years ( M = 14.3 , SD = 1.9 ) . Participants were r and omly allocated to treatment or waitlist control conditions ; waitlist condition participants were offered treatment after 6 months .  DEXA-derived and anthropometric measures of body composition ; laboratory-based cycle ergometer and field-assessed cardiovascular fitness data ; objective and self-report physical activity measures ; and self-report measures of eating habits and 7-day weighed food diaries  were used to assess treatment outcome . Adherence to treatment protocol s was high . RESULTS Treatment result ed in significant ( p < .05 ) and sustained improvements in a range of body composition ( body fat , percent body fat , lean mass ) and anthropometric measures ( weight , BMI , BMI -for-age z-score and percentiles ) . Minimal improvements were seen in cardiovascular fitness . Similar results were obtained in completer and intention-to-treat analysis . Poor adherence to assessment protocol s limits conclusions that can be drawn from physical activity and dietary data . CONCLUSIONS Participation in the Choose Health program result ed in significant improvement in body composition . Longer-term follow up is required to determine the durability of intervention effects . Alternative approaches to the measurement of diet and physical activity may be required for adolescents Sleep habits and circadian preference ( morningness/eveningness , M/E ) have been extensively analyzed in adolescents and young adults , while few studies were conducted on children and early adolescents . Aim of the present study was to investigate the developmental changes of circadian preference and to analyze its relationship with sleep habits , sleep problems and circadian preference in a large sample by means of a school-based survey . One thous and seventy-three participants ( 50.8 % boys and 49.2 % girls ; mean age = 10.6 ; range = 8 - 14 years ) , recruited from four schools r and omly extracted within the district of Rome , completed a modified version of  School Sleep Habits Survey developed by Carskadon et al. The question naire included items about  sleep habits during schooldays and weekends ; a  Sleepiness Scale ;  a  Sleep-Wake Problems Behaviour Scale ;  a  Morningness/Eveningness scale .  The results show a consistent age-related change in sleep habits , particularly in the weekends . The difference in sleep duration between schooldays and weekends increases linearly with age . No gender difference was observed in morningness/eveningness , while a significant linear increase in evening preference was found with increasing ages . M/E total scores correlated significantly with both self-reported sleep/wake problems and daytime sleepiness indicating a higher prevalence of sleep complaints in evening-type subjects . Overall , the present results support the existence of consistent age-related changes in sleep habits and M/E dimension in the 8- to 14-year age range Background Psychological models are used to underst and and predict behaviour in a wide range of setting s , but have not been consistently applied to health professional behaviours , and the contribution of differing theories is not clear . This study explored the usefulness of a range of models to predict an evidence -based behaviour -- the placing of fissure sealants . Methods Measures were collected by postal question naire from a r and om sample of general dental practitioners ( GDPs ) in Scotl and . Outcomes were  behavioural simulation ( scenario decision-making )  , and behavioural intention .  Predictor variables were from the Theory of Planned Behaviour ( TPB ) , Social Cognitive Theory ( SCT ) , Common Sense Self-regulation Model ( CS-SRM ) , Operant Learning Theory ( OLT ) , Implementation Intention ( II ) , Stage Model , and knowledge ( a non-theoretical construct ) . Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the predictive value of each theoretical model individually . Significant constructs from all theories were then entered into a ' cross theory ' stepwise regression analysis to investigate their combined predictive value Results Behavioural simulation - theory level variance explained was : TPB 31 % ; SCT 29 % ; II 7 % ; OLT 30 % . Neither CS-SRM nor stage explained significant variance . In the cross theory analysis , habit ( OLT ) , timeline acute ( CS-SRM ) , and outcome expectancy ( SCT ) entered the equation , together explaining 38 % of the variance . Behavioural intention - theory level variance explained was : TPB 30 % ; SCT 24 % ; OLT 58 % , CS-SRM 27 % . GDPs in the action stage had significantly higher intention to place fissure sealants . In the cross theory analysis , habit ( OLT ) and attitude ( TPB ) entered the equation , together explaining 68 % of the variance in intention . Summary The study provides evidence that psychological models can be useful in underst and ing and predicting clinical behaviour . Taking a theory-based approach enables the creation of a replicable methodology for identifying factors that may predict clinical behaviour and so provide possible targets for knowledge translation interventions . Results suggest that more evidence -based behaviour may be achieved by influencing beliefs about the positive outcomes of placing fissure sealants and building a habit of placing them as part of patient management . However a number of conceptual and method ological challenges remain Both habit strength and action planning have been found to moderate the intention-exercise behaviour relationship , but no research exists that has investigated how habit strength and action planning simultaneously influence this relationship . The present study was design ed to explore this issue in a prospect i ve sample of undergraduate students ( N = 415 ) :  action planning , habit strength , intention , attitudes , subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were assessed at baseline and exercise behaviour was assessed 2 weeks later . Both habit strength and action planning moderated the intention-exercise relationship , with stronger relationship at higher levels of planning or habit strength . Decomposing a significant action planning × habit strength × intention interaction showed that the strength of the intention-exercise relationship progressed linearly through levels of action planning and habit strength . These novel results show that action planning strengthens the intention-habit strength interaction in the exercise domain : exercise interventions should therefore focus on simultaneously bolstering action planning and habit strength BACKGROUND Low levels of physical activity ( PA ) and highly sedentary leisure habits ( SLH ) in youth may establish behavioral patterns that will predispose youth to increased chronic disease risk in adulthood . The purpose of this paper was to examine associations of demographic and psychosocial factors with self-reported PA and SLH in young adolescents . METHODS A general linear mixed model predicted self-reported PA and SLH in the spring from demographic and psychosocial variables measured the previous fall in 3798 seventh grade students . RESULTS  PA and SLH differed by race , with Caucasian students reporting among the highest PA and lowest SLH . Perceptions of higher academic rank or expectations predicted higher  PA  and lower SLH . Depressive symptomatology predicted higher SLH scores but not PA .  Higher self-reported value of health , appearance , and achievement predicted higher PA  and lower SLH in girls . Girls who reported that their mothers had an authoritative parenting style also reported higher PA  and lower SLH . CONCLUSIONS Determinants of  PA  and SLH appear to differ from each other , particularly in boys . Development of effective programs to increase  PA  and /or decrease SLH in young adolescents should be based on a clear underst and ing of the determinants of these behaviors The reliability of self-reports of prepregnancy smoking and drinking habits was assessed in over 700 pregnant smokers who participated in a r and omized clinical trial of smoking cessation intervention . The participants provided self-reports of their prepregnancy smoking and drinking habits prior to the 18th week ( test ) and again in the eighth month of gestation ( retest ) . About half the subjects gave identical reports of prepregnancy smoking habits at test and retest . Among those who changed their estimates , the changes were usually small . The reliability of reports of prepregnancy alcohol intake was also high . The reliability of reports by the treatment group - which experienced an anti-smoking intervention and extensive contact with study personnel - was very similar to that of the control group BACKGROUND The associations among people 's level of autonomy in regulating their eating behaviors , food patterns , and degree of obesity have not been investigated in a general adult population . OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to cross-sectionally examine , in a nationally representative sample of adult New Zeal and women , the associations between different styles of eating behavior regulation  and body mass index ( BMI ) , with specific food and eating habits as hypothesized mediators . DESIGN During May 2009 , a sample of 2,500 New Zeal and women aged 40 to 50 years was r and omly selected from the nationwide electoral rolls . A 66 % ( n=1,601 ) participation rate was achieved . Potential participants were mailed a self-administered question naire containing the Regulation of Eating Behavior scale , questions on specific food and eating habits ( frequency of binge eating , speed of eating , usual daily servings of fruits and vegetables , usual frequency of intake of several high-fat and /or high-sugar foods ) , and height and weight . STATISTICAL ANALYSES Univariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations among demographic , health and behavioral variables , and BMI . Multivariate linear regression models were developed to investigate the relationships between autonomous and controlled forms of  eating behavior regulation and BMI , with specific food and eating habits as mediators . RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders as well as specific food and eating habits that were potential mediators , BMI was statistically significantly lower by 2 % ( 95 % CI -2.7 % to -1.4 % ; P<0.001 ) for every 10-unit increase in autonomous regulation , and statistically significantly higher by 1.4 % ( 95 % CI 0.4 % to 2.3 % ; P=0.005 ) for every 10-unit increase in controlled regulation . The relationships between autonomous regulation and BMI as well as controlled regulation and BMI were only partially mediated by the specific food and eating habits measured . CONCLUSIONS Although the direction of causality requires confirmation , the results provide support for the applicability of Self-Determination Theory , and suggest that developing more autonomous motivation for eating behavior is likely to facilitate healthier food habits and lower BMI in middle-aged women UNLABELLED OBJECTIVE ; The aim of this international study was to develop a valid and reliable psychometric measure to examine the extent to which parents ' attitudes about engaging in twice-daily tooth brushing and controlling sugar snacking predict these respective behaviours in their children . A supplementary objective was to assess whether ethnic group , culture , level of deprivation or children 's caries experience impact upon the relationships between oral health related behaviours , attitudes to these respective behaviours and to dental caries . CLINICAL SETTING Nurseries , health centres and dental clinics in 17 countries . PARTICIPANTS 2822 children aged 3 to 4 years and their parents . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES  Dental examination of children and question naire to parents . RESULTS Factor analysis identified 8 coherent attitudes towards toothbrushing , sugar snacking and childhood caries . Attitudes were significantly different in families from deprived and non-deprived background s and in families of children with and without caries . Parents perception of their ability to control their children 's toothbrushing and sugar snacking habits were the most significant predictor of whether or not favourable habits were reported . Some differences were found by site and ethnic group . CONCLUSIONS This study supports the hypothesis that parental attitudes significantly impact on the establishment of habits favourable to oral health . An appreciation of the impact of cultural and ethnic diversity is important in underst and ing how parental attitudes to oral health vary . Further research should examine in a prospect i ve intervention whether enhancing parenting skills is an effective route to preventing childhood caries BACKGROUND Lifestyle factors are important determinants of adequate sleep among adolescents . However , findings on sleep duration relative to lifestyle factors are conflicting . Therefore , this study examined the association of self-reported sleep duration with physical activity , sedentary behaviours and dietary habits among Saudi adolescents . METHODS A multicentre school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three major cities in Saudi Arabia . The sample included 2868 secondary -school students ( 51.9 % girls ) aged 15 - 19 years , r and omly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique . In addition to  anthropometric measurements , sleep duration , physical activity , sedentary behaviours and dietary habits were assessed using self-reported question naire . RESULTS Several lifestyle factors were associated with sleep duration in adolescents . While controlling for some potential confounders , the findings showed that high screen time [ > 5 h/day ; adjusted odds ratio ( aOR ) = 1.505 , 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) = 1.180 - 1.920 , P = 0.001 ] and low ( aOR = 1.290 , 95 % CI = 1.064 - 1.566 , P = 0.010 ) to medium ( aOR = 1.316 , 95 % CI = 1.075 - 1.611 , P = 0.008 ) physical activity levels were significantly related to daily sleep of 8 h or longer . Furthermore , having low intake of breakfast ( <3 day/week compared with 5 days or more per week ) decreased the odd of having adequate sleep duration by a factor of 0.795 ( 95 % CI = 0.667 - 0.947 , P < 0.010 ) . CONCLUSIONS Short sleep duration ( < 8 h/day ) among Saudi adolescents 15 - 19 year olds was significantly associated with several lifestyle factors . Intervention programs aim ing for improving sleeping habits among adolescents need to consider such potential association of lifestyle variables with sleep duration
Results A four-item automaticity subscale ( the ‘ Self-Report Behavioural Automaticity Index ’ ; ‘ SRBAI ’ ) was found to be reliable and sensitive to two hypothesised effects of habit on behaviour : a habit-behaviour correlation , and a moderating effect of habit on the intention-behaviour relationship .
Conclusion The SRBAI offers a parsimonious measure that adequately captures habitual behaviour patterns .
The SRBAI may be of particular utility in predicting future behaviour and in studies tracking habit formation or disruption
Background The twelve-item Self-Report Habit Index ( SRHI ) is the most popular measure of energy-balance related habits .
This measure characterises habit by automatic activation , behavioural frequency , and relevance to self-identity .
Previous empirical research suggests that the SRHI may be abbreviated with no losses in reliability or predictive utility .
Drawing on recent theorising suggesting that automaticity is the ‘ active ingredient ’ of habit-behaviour relationships , we tested whether an automaticity-specific SRHI subscale could capture habit-based behaviour patterns in self-report data .