Table 1 TDF’s and BCT’s used in the TRavelVU (control) and TRavelVU Plus (intervention) apps
TDF | BCT’s | Example of a message in the TRavelVU Plus app |
|---|---|---|
Knowledge | Information about health consequences Instructions on how to perform the behaviour Provide information about the behaviour Information about antecedents | You do not need professional equipment to get started. Find your old bike, borrow one or buy one secondhand. Find out where you can park your bike at work and decide your start date! |
Skills | Behavioural practice/rehearsal Habit formation Habit reversal Behaviour substitution | Do you commute using public transport? Why not get off at an earlier stop and walk the rest of the way? |
Social/professional role and identity | Identification of self as a role model | Do you think someone close to you would benefit from being more physically active? Remember, you’re a role model for others! Be the first to change to a more active lifestyle! |
Beliefs about capabilities/Optimism | Verbal persuasion to boost self-efficacy Mental rehearsal of successful behavior Focus on past success Verbal persuasion to boost self-efficacy | It is motivating to succeed in changing a habit. Start by setting a challenging but achievable goal, for example to cycle to work at least once a week instead of taking the car. |
Beliefs about consequences | Information about social and environmental consequences Information about health consequences Pros and cons Comparative imagining of future outcomes Material reward (behaviour) Reward (outcome) | Cyclists contribute to cleaner air and less noise. Reduced car traffic makes the roads safer - safer roads promote cycling. |
Reinforcement | Reward (outcome) Reward | Are there others in your household or at work who want to walk or cycle more? Set up a common goal to get started. Why not with a reward to do something fun together after you have walked or cycled 50 km? |
Goals | Goal setting (behaviour) Problem solving Review behaviour goals Action planning Barrier identification Commitment | Is it possible for you to increase the time you spend walking and cycling? Set up achievable goals and check your progress (in the app) every day. |
Intentions | Action planning Commitment | Is it difficult to get started with active transport? Plan your start date and stick to your plan, then take it one day at a time. Remember to set up achievable goals. |
Social influences | Social support (practical) Social support (emotional) Social comparison Social support | Limited time is one reason why 50% of Swedish adults are physically inactive. Active transport can facilitate physical activity when there is no time for exercise. How can you create time for more active transport in your life? |
Emotion | Reduce negative emotions Social support (emotional) | How are you doing? Changing habits can be challenging. Make sure to focus on what works. |
Behavioural regulation | Self-monitoring of behaviour (outcome)a Self-monitoring of outcome(s) of behaviour Feedback on behavioura | Keeping track will help you to reach your goal. Go to Summary (in the app) to track your trips during the day and throughout the week. Is there any part of your travel that can be replaced with active transport? |