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
- Part II Methods and Processes of Behavior Change: Intervention Development, Application, and Translation
- Part III Behavior Change Interventions: Practical Guides to Behavior Change
- 31 Attitudes and Persuasive Communication Interventions
- 32 Self-Efficacy Interventions
- 33 Imagery, Visualization, and Mental Simulation Interventions
- 34 Affect-Based Interventions
- 35 Autonomy-Supportive Interventions
- 36 Incentive-Based Interventions
- 37 Monitoring Interventions
- 38 Goal Setting Interventions
- 39 Planning and Implementation Intention Interventions
- 40 Self-Control Interventions
- 41 Habit Interventions
- 42 Economic and Behavioral Economic Approaches to Behavior Change
- 43 Dyadic Behavior Change Interventions
- 44 Social Identity Interventions
- 45 Motivational Interviewing Interventions
- 46 The Science of Behavior Change: The Road Ahead
- Index
- References
42 - Economic and Behavioral Economic Approaches to Behavior Change
from Part III - Behavior Change Interventions: Practical Guides to Behavior Change
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2020
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
- Part II Methods and Processes of Behavior Change: Intervention Development, Application, and Translation
- Part III Behavior Change Interventions: Practical Guides to Behavior Change
- 31 Attitudes and Persuasive Communication Interventions
- 32 Self-Efficacy Interventions
- 33 Imagery, Visualization, and Mental Simulation Interventions
- 34 Affect-Based Interventions
- 35 Autonomy-Supportive Interventions
- 36 Incentive-Based Interventions
- 37 Monitoring Interventions
- 38 Goal Setting Interventions
- 39 Planning and Implementation Intention Interventions
- 40 Self-Control Interventions
- 41 Habit Interventions
- 42 Economic and Behavioral Economic Approaches to Behavior Change
- 43 Dyadic Behavior Change Interventions
- 44 Social Identity Interventions
- 45 Motivational Interviewing Interventions
- 46 The Science of Behavior Change: The Road Ahead
- Index
- References
Summary
This chapter provides an overview of economic and behavioral economic approaches to behavior change. The chapter begins with a description of the traditional or neoclassical economic view of decision-making using expected utility theory as its basis. Attempts by an external party (e.g., a government or agency) to change behavior are viewed as justifiable in a limited number of circumstances, such as when there are externalities or coordination failures. When behavior change is warranted, neoclassical economics has focused on four options: provide information, increase incentives, reduce prices, or increase subsidies, or impose regulations. To be successful, the approach must change the net benefits of the promoted behavior. The chapter then describes the rationale behind behavioral economic approaches to behavior change, emphasizing the role that “nudges” play in behavior change. Examples are provided of common heuristics and associated decision errors that can result, and how nudges are designed to overcome these decision errors. The underlying rationale and steps for developing nudges are summarized. Current evidence suggests that some nudges can be effective in changing behavior, but more research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of many nudge strategies. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the likely long-term impact of nudges in the field of behavior change.
Keywords
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- The Handbook of Behavior Change , pp. 617 - 631Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020
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