Emotional Mechanisms of Behavior Change: Existing Techniques, Best Practices, and a New Approach

Abstract

Traditional models of behavior change emphasize knowledge, beliefs, and injunctive norms as targets of intervention. Emotion—a potent force guiding human behavior—is strikingly absent from most models and most behavioral interventions. This article reviews evidence that emotion is not only consequential for common targets of behavioral intervention, but can be activated strategically to facilitate behavior change. This article presents a new framework for classifying behavior change targets, along with specific emotion-leveraging intervention techniques matched to each category of behavior. Policy recommendations emphasize combining emotional tools with other evidence-based behavior-change techniques. Although more research is needed, emotion shows promise for helping to support people's behavioral goals.