Developing and applying a framework to understand mechanisms of action in group-based, behaviour change interventions: the MAGI mixed-methods study

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Theories and meta-analyses have elucidated individual-level mechanisms of action in behaviour change interventions. Although group-based interventions are commonly used to support health-related behaviour change, such interventions rarely consider theory and research (e.g. from social psychology) on how group-level mechanisms can also influence personal change. OBJECTIVES:The aim was to enhance understanding of mechanisms of action in group-based behaviour change interventions. The objectives were to (1) develop a potentially generalisable framework of change processes in groups, (2) test the framework by analysing group session recordings to identify examples illustrating group p..