Behavior Change Techniques

Behavior change techniques (BCTs) are the smallest components of behavioral interventions that can bring about change; they are the content or “active ingredients” of the intervention.

  • We coded the BCTs used in interventions using a taxonomy developed by Michie et al. (2013) supplemented by BCTs observed during the review process. Coding was highly reliable.

  • The coding frame contains 98 BCTs organized into 18 clusters (see image). Definitions of each BCT can be found here.

  • Use the dropdown menu under Behavior Change Techniques to access intervention materials for different techniques.

BCTs could target four key behaviors to promote quit intentions and smoking cessation:

  • Quitting — techniques targeting the transition from smoking to cessation.

  • Abstinence — techniques targeting the maintenance of smoking cessation.

  • Pharmacology — techniques targeting the use of pharmacotherapy.

  • Ancillary — techniques targeting non-smoking behaviors (e.g., physical activity, alcohol use) that could facilitate quitting smoking.