Applying health behavior theory to multiple behavior change: Considerations and approaches

Background There has been a dearth of theorizing in the area of multiple behavior change. The purpose of the current article was to examine how health behavior theory might be applied to the growing research terrain of multiple behavior change. Methods Three approaches to applying health behavior theory to multiple behavior change are advanced, including searching the literature for potential examples of such applications. Results These three approaches to multiple behavior change include (1) a behavior change principles approach; (2) a global health / behavioral category approach, and (3) a multiple behavioral approach. Each approach is discussed and explicated and examples from this emerging literature are provided. Conclusions Further study in this area has the potential to broaden our understanding of multiple behaviors and multiple behavior change. Implications for additional theory-testing and application of theory to interventions are discussed.