Table 3 Examples of theoretical methods and practical applications for behavioural determinants

Knowledge

Advance organizers

Presenting an overview of material that enables the learner to activate relevant schemas so that new material can be associated

Schematic representations of content or guides to what is to be learned

Providing an online overview of activities of local facilitators of physical activity and healthy nutrition on SLIMMER website

Attitude

Elaboration

Stimulating the learner to add meaning to the information that is processed

Individuals with high motivation and cognitive ability

During the return session, participants discuss how they feel about their behaviour change

Perceived behavioural control

Self-monitoring of behaviour

Prompting the person to keep a record of specified behaviours

The monitoring must be of the specific behaviour; the data must be interpreted and used; the reward must be reinforcing to the individual

During concluding meeting, the importance of monitoring is explained and methods to monitor behaviour are provided. The importance of self-monitoring can be highlighted again during return session

Perceived behavioural control

Goal setting

Prompting planning what the person will do, including a definition of goal-directed behaviours that result in target behaviour

Commitment to goal; goals that are challenging but achievable within the individual’s skill level

During concluding meeting, participants set targets and make an action plan, which is added to the personal file of the participant

Habits

Implementation intentions

Prompting making if-then plans that link situational cues with responses that are effective in attaining goals or outcomes

Existing positive intention

Participants receive an action plan in which they formulate specific goals and ways to achieve them. Feedback is given during the return session