Using N-of-1 methods to explore habit formation

Abstract

Theories of the behaviour change and health behaviour change interventions are often tested in a conventional between-participant randomized controlled trial design; however, behaviour change interventions aim to achieve within-participant change in participants who are likely to have heterogeneous and unique responses to the behavioural intervention. Theories of behaviour change also apply to individuals. The aim of this chapter is to introduce the N-of-1 method (also known as single-participant N-of-1 trial) that employs a within-participant design to test predictors of behavioural outcomes and to deliver personalized behaviour change interventions that help people form and maintain health..