Identity Shifts as Turning Points in Health Behavior Change

Abstract

The authors used a grounded formal theory approach to synthesize the findings of 14 studies, with the goal of identifying common elements in qualitative studies of individuals' efforts to change a variety of unhealthy behaviors. The combined sample of 399 participants had experiences of weight loss, smoking cessation, and alcohol and drug-abuse recovery. Data were extracted from published reports and analyzed using grounded-theory techniques. In the provisional model, a value conflict in response to distressing accumulated evidence prompts a small step toward behavior change. If successful, an identity shift begins. Increased self-awareness and self-confidence fuel continued change. Numerous constraints to success are noted at each step. The links to previous conceptions of identity shift are discussed.

Progression towards smoking cessation: Qualitative analysis of successful, unsuccessful, and never quitters

“…Therefore, a subsequent step in the progression towards cessation involves accepting responsibility for one’s behavior. This process can be understood from the vantage point of identity shift theory (Kearney & O’Sullivan, 2003), which proposes that the distress, conflict and dissonance resulting from an unwanted behavior cause a succession of small changes in a person’s attitude and behavior which culminates in identity change. The majority of smokers dislike being a smoker (Tombor, Shahab, Brown, & West, 2013) and this negative feeling can erode one’s self-concept as a smoker, resulting in a new identity as a committed non-smoker.…”

Keys to Successful Diabetes Self-management for Uninsured Patients: Social Support, Observational Learning, and Turning Points: A Safety Net Providers' Strategic Alliance Study

“…35,36 Empirical evidence suggests that turning points occur when distressing accumulated evidence about one’s health leads to internal conflict with longstanding values or goals. 37 Individuals engage in critical self-appraisal followed by small behavior change action steps. It has been posited that changes are sustained if the individual’s personal identity is revised to incorporate modified health beliefs.…”

“…It has been posited that changes are sustained if the individual’s personal identity is revised to incorporate modified health beliefs. 37 …”

Verankerung und Vertreibung in realen und virtuellen Welten. Biographische Längsschnittinterviews zu Bewältigung bei Computerspielsucht

“…Den Versuch einer Synthese durch eine grounded formal theory unter Einbeziehung 14 verschiedener Studien zur Identitätsveränderung auch für außerhalb der Sucht liegende Gesundheitsveränderungen leisten Kearney et al (2003). In dieser Tradition wird z.B.…”