Framework · Susan Michie, Maartje van Stralen and Robert West
COM-B and the Behaviour Change Wheel
Behaviour depends on capability, opportunity and motivation. Diagnose which is missing, then choose interventions that target it.
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Behaviour depends on capability, opportunity and motivation. Diagnose which is missing, then choose interventions that target it.
How to use it with a real habit
- Ask what’s missing: capability, opportunity or motivation?
- Don’t treat opportunity problems as motivation problems.
- Pick techniques that target the gap.
What the evidence says
Conceptual framework: A way of organising ideas that helps you think clearly. It describes rather than predicts, so it is judged by how useful it is.
A widely used framework for designing interventions; it organises choices rather than predicting outcomes.
Limits
- Designed for professionals; the simple question is the most useful part for individuals.
Sources
- Michie, van Stralen & West (2011). The behaviour change wheel: A new method for characterising and designing behaviour change interventions. Implementation Science. doi:10.1186/1748-5908-6-42
- The Behaviour Change Wheel — Susan Michie, Lou Atkins & Robert West (2014)
- UCL Centre for Behaviour Change
Related techniques
- Problem solving — Define the barrier, list options, pick one, test it, and check. (Research-supported)
- Redesign a space — Rearrange a room, desk or shelf so it invites the habit you want. (Research-supported)
- Ask for practical support — Ask one person for one specific kind of help. (Research-supported)