Table 1 Steps in developing a theory based behavioural intervention

1. Specify target behaviour(s).

2. Select theoretical framework (for empirical investigation at baseline and to assess process).

3. Conduct a predictive study with a (preferably representative) sample drawn from the population of interest, to identify modifiable variables that predict the target behaviour(s) and their means/distributions.

4. From predictive study, choose which variables to target. These variables are the proposed mediators of behaviour change.

5. Map targeted variables onto behaviour change techniques and select techniques that (a) are likely to change the mediator variables and (b) it is feasible to operationalise.

6. Choose appropriate method(s) of delivery of the techniques

7. Operationalise intervention components (techniques) in appropriate combination and order

8. Specify control or comparison conditions.

9. Specify hypotheses regarding outcome and process (mediation), i.e. which outcome and predictor variables targeted by the intervention would change compared with the control conditions.

10. Conduct behavioural modelling experiment based on Steps 1–9.