title: Empiric validation of a process for behavior change.
abstract: Most behavior change trials focus on outcomes rather than deconstructing how those outcomes related to programmatic theoretical underpinnings and intervention components. In this report, the process of change is compared for three evidence-based programs' that shared theories, intervention elements and potential mediating variables. Each investigation was a randomized trial that assessed pre- and post- intervention variables using survey constructs with established reliability. Each also used mediation analyses to define relationships. The findings were combined using a pattern matching approach. Surprisingly, knowledge was a significant mediator in each program (a and b path effects [p<0.01]). Norms, perceived control abilities, and self-monitoring were confirmed in at least two studies (p<0.01 for each). Replication of findings across studies with a common design but varied populations provides a robust validation of the theory and processes of an effective intervention. Combined findings also demonstrate a means to substantiate process aspects and theoretical models to advance understanding of behavior change.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Promotion and Sports Medicine; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road CR110, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA. elliotd@ohsu.edu.
authors.forename: Diane L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Elliot
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Promotion and Sports Medicine; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road CR110, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
authors.forename: Linn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goldberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA.
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: MacKinnon
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80217-3364, USA.
authors.forename: Krista W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Ranby
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Promotion and Sports Medicine; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road CR110, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
authors.forename: Kerry S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kuehl
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Promotion and Sports Medicine; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road CR110, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
authors.forename: Esther L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Moe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001519:Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017008:Negotiating; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010465:Perception; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Behavior change; Mediation; Peer-led