Behaviour Change Archives | Healthy DialoguesHealthy Dialogues

Designing Effective Behaviour Change Interventions: A Practical Guide Using the EAST Framework

by Rebecca Maclean on March 4, 2026

Behaviour change interventions are deliberate actions, programmes or policies designed to influence the decisions and habits of individuals or groups. They can range from public health campaigns and workplace initiatives to digital apps and changes in law or policy. At their core, interventions aim to close the gap between what people intend to do and what they actually do. However, well-meaning initiatives do not always lead to meaningful change. Designing interventions that are evidence-based, drawing on behavioural science theory, empirical research and real-world evaluation, increases the likelihood that they will be effective.

A new year, and a set of New Years Intentions

by Helen Ginman on January 5, 2026

It’s that time of year again when many of us start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. And for many, losing weight sits firmly at the top of the list, year after year. Usually alongside exercising more, eating healthier, and other health-related goals that dominate our January intentions.

Avoiding ultra processed food at Christmas

by Rebecca Maclean on December 10, 2025

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Eating healthy over Christmas can feel like an impossible challenge. Being surrounded by endless amounts of chocolate, mince pies and gingerbread men, having Christmas parties and get togethers, it can be hard to strike a balance between enjoying yourself and looking after your health!

Listening – Unlocking the power of understanding

by Helen Ginman on March 10, 2025

This blog explores the power of listening in health and social care settings, emphasising its importance in fostering meaningful connections, especially when discussing mental health and well-being. Whilst speaking out is crucial, being truly heard and understood is equally essential. The blog delves into the barriers to listening, both external and internal, and provides practical techniques for overcoming these obstacles. It introduces skills such as open discovery questions, reflective listening, and summarising, all of which enhance active listening and help build trust, clarity, and stronger professional relationships. These strategies are vital in creating a supportive space for individuals to express themselves, ensuring they feel valued and heard.

Applying the COM-B model to understand vaping habits in young people

by Rebecca Maclean on February 10, 2025

To demonstrate how this process can work in a real-life intervention, we have outlined how we used the COM-B model to understand and inform interventions to discourage youth vaping.

Vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, but it is generally accepted than it is unlikely to be risk-free. Vaping is a relatively new concept, and more evidence is needed to understand what the long-term consequences may be. Although, short term impacts include headaches, shortness of breath and throat irritation.

Cheers! To a balanced January: Redefining our relationship with alcohol

by Helen Ginman on January 8, 2025

Redefining our relationship with alcohol

As the new year begins, many consider joining the growing movement of Dry January. Each year, over four million adults take part, embracing the opportunity to give the body a break from alcohol. I always appreciate the challenge of going alcohol-free for a month, but over the years, it has prompted deeper thoughts about our relationship with alcohol.

Using motivational interviewing to explore infant feeding with new mothers

by Ashlee Mulimba on July 27, 2024

Motivational interviewing is a client-focused approach that helps increase a person’s motivation to change by addressing their feelings about that change. It can help build trust with a new mother, reduce their feelings of guilt and shame and help them work through any feelings of ambivalence regarding how they might want to feed their child. Allowing them to make truly informed decisions about their feeding preferences.

Category: Behaviour Change