A1 Journal article (refereed)
A qualitative investigation of individuals’ lay representations of habit (2024)


Brown D., J., Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2024). A qualitative investigation of individuals’ lay representations of habit. Psychology and Health, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2024.2412572


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsBrown D., J.; Hagger, M. S.; Hamilton, K.

Journal or seriesPsychology and Health

ISSN0887-0446

eISSN1476-8321

Publication year2024

Publication date10/10/2024

VolumeEarly online

PublisherTaylor & Francis

Publication countrySwitzerland

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2024.2412572

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially open access channel


Abstract

Objective: While there have been substantive advances in the conceptualisation, measurement, and effects of habit as a psychological construct, there is limited research on individuals’ beliefs and perspectives on habit. The current investigation reports the findings of two studies purposed to explore individuals’ lay representations of habit which further inform habit theory and measurement, and interventions designed to promote habits.

Methods: Study 1 (N = 158) used an online, open-ended questionnaire to elicit lay beliefs on the salient features of habit. Study 2 (N = 27) involved a series of interviews and focus groups to further explore individuals’ representations of habit.

Results: Thematic content analysis revealed that participants described habit in terms of its content, salient features or characteristics, and function or consequences. The results also indicated that while collective knowledge converged on expert perspectives, few individuals identified all or most features of habit, suggesting individuals’ beliefs are incomplete.

Conclusions: Current findings indicate that lay people as a collective hold consistent but largely ‘patchy’ beliefs about habit. Future research should focus on integrating the beliefs identified in this research with new measures of habit and habit interventions.


Keywordsbeliefsmanners and meansbehavioural patternsexperiences (knowledge)knowledgebehavioural psychology

Free keywordsBehavioural automaticity; lay representations; past behaviour and routines; cue-behaviour association


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2024

Preliminary JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2024-02-11 at 20:06