maternal health and behaviour change

• What is behaviour change?

  Behaviour change occurs when someone does something new or different in a familiar situation.
• How do most behavioural decisions occur?

  Most behavioural decisions happen at a sub-conscious level.
• What is reinforcement learning in the context of behaviour?

  Reinforcement learning is when behaviours are based on what has been done before.
• What are the three components of how we make behavioural choices?

  • The Automatic Brain (reflexes and habits)
  • The Motivated Brain (fear, lust, status, justice)
  • Executive control (planning and considering consequences)
• Why do people sometimes choose unhealthy behaviours?

  People may choose unhealthy behaviours due to a psychological mismatch.
• What is psychological mismatch?

  Psychological mismatch occurs when the reward from unhealthy behaviour is stronger than from healthy behaviour.
• What is the effect of interventions on health-related behaviours?

  Interventions typically have modest effects and are more effective when grounded in appropriate theory.
• What does the COM-B model stand for?

  • Capability: Psychological and physical capability to engage in an activity.
  • Opportunity: External factors that make behaviour possible or prompt it.
  • Motivation: Brain processes that energise and direct behaviour.

  
• What does 'capability' refer to in the COM-B model?

  Capability refers to the individual’s psychological and physical capability to engage in an activity.

  
• What does 'opportunity' refer to in the COM-B model?

  Opportunity refers to all external factors that make behaviour possible or prompt it.

  
• What does 'motivation' refer to in the COM-B model?

  Motivation refers to all brain processes that energise and direct behaviour.

  
• What are the target behaviours identified for weight management interventions for women during pregnancy and postpartum?

  • Capability: Health technology and smart wearables.
  • Opportunity: Lack of resources for support during perinatal care.
  • Motivation: Family support and conflict between unhealthy habits and lifestyle change.
• What is motivational interviewing (MI)?

  MI is a counselling method that enhances motivation through the resolution of ambivalence.
• What are the three critical components of motivation in MI?

  The three components are willingness, ability, and readiness to change.
• What are the practitioner tasks within the Stages of Change model?

  • Precontemplation: Raise doubt and provide harm reduction strategies.
  • Contemplation: Weigh pros and cons and explore ambivalence.
  • Preparation: Clear goal setting and realistic planning.
  • Maintenance: Identify strategies to prevent relapse.
  • Relapse: Renew contemplation and action processes.
• How is relapse viewed in motivational interviewing?

  Relapse is normalized and seen as an opportunity to learn about maintaining long-term behaviour change.
• What is peer support in healthcare?

  • A flexible concept used across various fields.
  • Involves non-professional support from individuals with shared experiences.
  • Can include paid workers, volunteers, or other service users.
• What is the core theoretical construct underlying peer support?

  Peer support is defined by the ability of people with similar experiences to offer authentic empathy and validation.
• What are the key components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour?

  • Behavioural beliefs: Consequences of the behaviour.
  • Normative beliefs: Expectations of others.
  • Control beliefs: Factors that facilitate or impede behaviour.

  
• How do attitude and subjective norm affect intention in the Theory of Planned Behaviour?

  More favourable attitudes and subjective norms strengthen the intention to perform the behaviour.
• What is the relationship between intention and behaviour according to the Theory of Planned Behaviour?

  Intention is considered the precursor to behaviour when actual control exists.

  
• What does the graphical depiction of the Theory of Planned Behaviour illustrate?

  • It illustrates the relationship between beliefs, intention, and behaviour.
  • It shows how attitudes and norms influence intention.
  • It emphasizes the role of perceived control in behaviour execution.