title: Theoretical approaches of online social network interventions and implications for behavioral change: a systematic review.
abstract: The aim of this review was to identify general theoretical frameworks used in online social network interventions for behavioral change. To address this research question, a PRISMA-compliant systematic review was conducted.
  
  
  
  A systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42014007555) was conducted using 3 electronic databases (PsycINFO, Pubmed, and Embase). Four reviewers screened 1788 abstracts.
  
  
  
  15 studies were selected according to the eligibility criteria. Randomized controlled trials and controlled studies were assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's "risk-of-bias" tool, and narrative synthesis. Five eligible articles used the social cognitive theory as a framework to develop interventions targeting behavioral change. Other theoretical frameworks were related to the dynamics of social networks, intention models, and community engagement theories. Only one of the studies selected in the review mentioned a well-known theory from the field of health psychology.
  
  
  
  Conclusions were that guidelines are lacking in the design of online social network interventions for behavioral change. Existing theories and models from health psychology that are traditionally used for in situ behavioral change should be considered when designing online social network interventions in a health care setting.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.|Department of Educational Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Amaël
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-0449-7934
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arguel
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Oscar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Perez-Concha
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Psychology, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Simon Y W
authors.initials: SYW
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Annie Y S
authors.initials: AYS
authors.lastname: Lau
mesh_terms: D032763:Behavior Control / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D012944:Social Support
keywords: behavioral change; health intervention; health psychology; online social network; social cognitive theory; social media