The future of health behavior and prevention research: what will change in the next 25 years?
OBJECTIVE
To review progress in the field of health behavior research and suggest future directions.


METHODS
Reviewed the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of research during the past 25 years and identified likely technological changes that will impact research during the next 25 years.


RESULTS
In the not-too-distant future, normal science will be transformed by broad-based diffusion of innovations, some of which will include the increased use of automated data collection methods and the widespread adoption of research-based programs.


CONCLUSIONS
Research during the next 25 years will eventually result in a radical transformation of health behavior research.
Hansen
W B
WB
Tanglewood Research, Greensboro, NC 27409, USA. billhansen@tanglewood.net
D005544:Forecasting; D015438:Health Behavior; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D011315:Preventive Medicine / Q000639:trends; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends