Book contents
- The Handbook of Behavior Change
- The Handbook of Behavior Change
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Sidebars
- Contributors
- 1 Changing Behavior: A Theory- and Evidence-Based Approach
- Part I Theory and Behavior Change
- 2 Changing Behavior Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
- 3 Changing Behavior Using Social Cognitive Theory
- 4 Changing Behavior Using the Health Belief Model and Protection Motivation Theory
- 5 Changing Behavior Using the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation
- 6 Changing Behavior Using the Model of Action Phases
- 7 Changing Behavior Using the Health Action Process Approach
- 8 Changing Behavior Using Self-Determination Theory
- 9 Changing Behavior Using Control Theory
- 10 Changing Behavior Using the Transtheoretical Model
- 11 Changing Behavior Using Integrative Self-Control Theory
- 12 Changing Behavior Using the Reflective-Impulsive Model
- 13 Changing Behavior Using Habit Theory
- 14 Changing Behavior by Changing Environments
- 15 Changing Behavior Using Integrated Theories
- 16 Changing Behavior Using Social Identity Processes
- 17 Changing Behavior Using Ecological Models
- 18 Changing Behavior Using Theories at the Interpersonal, Organizational, Community, and Societal Levels
- Part II Methods and Processes of Behavior Change: Intervention Development, Application, and Translation
- Part III Behavior Change Interventions: Practical Guides to Behavior Change
- Index
- References
9 - Changing Behavior Using Control Theory
from Part I - Theory and Behavior Change
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2020
- The Handbook of Behavior Change
- The Handbook of Behavior Change
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Sidebars
- Contributors
- 1 Changing Behavior: A Theory- and Evidence-Based Approach
- Part I Theory and Behavior Change
- 2 Changing Behavior Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
- 3 Changing Behavior Using Social Cognitive Theory
- 4 Changing Behavior Using the Health Belief Model and Protection Motivation Theory
- 5 Changing Behavior Using the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation
- 6 Changing Behavior Using the Model of Action Phases
- 7 Changing Behavior Using the Health Action Process Approach
- 8 Changing Behavior Using Self-Determination Theory
- 9 Changing Behavior Using Control Theory
- 10 Changing Behavior Using the Transtheoretical Model
- 11 Changing Behavior Using Integrative Self-Control Theory
- 12 Changing Behavior Using the Reflective-Impulsive Model
- 13 Changing Behavior Using Habit Theory
- 14 Changing Behavior by Changing Environments
- 15 Changing Behavior Using Integrated Theories
- 16 Changing Behavior Using Social Identity Processes
- 17 Changing Behavior Using Ecological Models
- 18 Changing Behavior Using Theories at the Interpersonal, Organizational, Community, and Societal Levels
- Part II Methods and Processes of Behavior Change: Intervention Development, Application, and Translation
- Part III Behavior Change Interventions: Practical Guides to Behavior Change
- Index
- References
Summary
Application of control theory to predict human behavior is largely based on Powers’s (1973) work, which can be traced indirectly through Carver and Scheier’s (1982) self-regulation theory and directly through interventions in areas of child development, mental health, education, and organizational psychology. Control theory proposes that behavior changes from moment to moment to keep perceived aspects of the self and world close to desired reference values – a person’s goals, standards, or ideals. Control is achieved through actions that help the individual meet their standards. Individuals can change their behavior to either cooperate or conflict with their attempts to control the same perceived aspect of the world (e.g., money, food, alcohol, drugs, medicine). Control theory is a “building blocks” theory from which working models can be built and tested and sets a new standard for empirical testing of psychological theory. This chapter reviews the evidence for each component of control theory. It describes how behavior change emerges for many different reasons, each of which can be modeled and tested. The chapter also questions whether “behavior change” itself is an appropriate, or efficient, objective. Finally, the chapter summarizes evidence for behavior change interventions informed by control theory and provides suggestions for future research and interventions using the theory.
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- The Handbook of Behavior Change , pp. 120 - 135Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020