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 editors: Brown D., J.; Hagger, M. S.; Hamilton, K.
Journal or series: Psychology and Health
ISSN: 0887-0446
eISSN: 1476-8321
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 10/10/2024
Volume: Early online
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication country: Switzerland
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2024.2412572
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Abstract
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.
Keywords: beliefs; manners and means; behavioural patterns; experiences (knowledge); knowledge; behavioural psychology
Free keywords: Behavioural automaticity; lay representations; past behaviour and routines; cue-behaviour association
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 2