The Psychology of Habit: Theory, Mechanisms, Change, and Contexts

Description

This unique reference explores the processes and nuances of human habits through social psychology and behavioral lenses. It provides a robust definition and theoretical framework for habit as well as up-to-date information on habit measurement, addressing such questions as which mechanisms are involved in habitual action and whether people can report accurately on their own habits. Specialized chapters pay close attention to how habits can be modified, as well as widely varying manifestations of habitual thoughts and behaviors, including the mechanisms of drug addiction and recovery, the repetitive characteristics of autism, and the unwitting habits of health professionals that may impede patient care. And across these pages, contributors show the potential for using the processes of maladaptive habits to replace them with positive and health-promoting ones. Throughout this volume attention is also paid to the practice of conducting habit research. Among the topics covered: Habit mechanisms and behavioral complexity. Complexities and controversies of physical activity habit. Habit discontinuities as vehicles for behavior change. Habits in depression: understanding and intervention. A critical review of habit theory of drug dependence. Questions about the automaticity of habitual behaviors. The Psychology of Habit will interest psychologists across a wide spectrum of domains: habit researchers in broader areas of social and health psychology, professionals working in (sub)clinical areas, interested scholars in marketing, consumer research, communication, and education, and public policymakers dealing with questions of behavioral change in the areas of health, sustainability, and/or education. Front Matter ....Pages i-xiii Introduction (Bas Verplanken)....Pages 1-10 Front Matter ....Pages 11-11 Defining Habit in Psychology (Asaf Mazar, Wendy Wood)....Pages 13-29 The Measurement of Habit (Amanda L. Rebar, Benjamin Gardner, Ryan E. Rhodes, Bas Verplanken)....Pages 31-49 Understanding the Formation of Human Habits: An Analysis of Mechanisms of Habitual Behaviour (Hans Marien, Ruud Custers, Henk Aarts)....Pages 51-69 Habit Mechanisms and Behavioural Complexity (Barbara Mullan, Elizaveta Novoradovskaya)....Pages 71-90 Physical Activity Habit: Complexities and Controversies (Ryan E. Rhodes, Amanda L. Rebar)....Pages 91-109 Technology Habits: Progress, Problems, and Prospects (Joseph B. Bayer, Robert LaRose)....Pages 111-130 The Strategic Effects of State-Dependent Consumer Preferences: The Roles of Habits and Variety Seeking (Raphael Thomadsen, P. B. (Seethu) Seetharaman)....Pages 131-150 Front Matter ....Pages 151-151 Habit Modification (Raymond G. Miltenberger, Claire A. Spieler)....Pages 153-167 Breaking Habits Using Implementation Intentions (Marieke A. Adriaanse, Aukje Verhoeven)....Pages 169-188 Cracks in the Wall: Habit Discontinuities as Vehicles for Behaviour Change (Bas Verplanken, Deborah Roy, Lorraine Whitmarsh)....Pages 189-205 Modelling Habit Formation and Its Determinants (Benjamin Gardner, Phillippa Lally)....Pages 207-229 Using N-of-1 Methods to Explore Habit Formation (Dominika Kwasnicka, Beatrice M. Konrad, Ian M. Kronish, Karina W. Davidson)....Pages 231-245 Creating and Breaking Habit in Healthcare Professional Behaviours to Improve Healthcare and Health (Sebastian Potthoff, Nicola McCleary, Falko F. Sniehotta, Justin Presseau)....Pages 247-265 Habits in Depression: Understanding and Intervention (Ed Watkins, Matt Owens, Lorna Cook)....Pages 267-284 The Role of Habits in Maladaptive Behaviour and Therapeutic Interventions (Aukje Verhoeven, Sanne de Wit)....Pages 285-303 Recovery Habits: A Habit Perspective on Recovery from Substance Use Disorder (Inna Arnaudova, Hortensia Amaro, John Monterosso)....Pages 305-322 Front Matter ....Pages 323-323 A Critical Review of Habit Theory of Drug Dependence (Lee Hogarth)....Pages 325-341 Habits and Autism: Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behaviour and Thinking in Autism (Ailsa Russell, Mark Brosnan)....Pages 343-361 Mind Wandering: More than a Bad Habit (Claire M. Zedelius, Madeleine E. Gross, Jonathan W. Schooler)....Pages 363-378 The Automaticity of Habitual Behaviours: Inconvenient Questions (David Trafimow)....Pages 379-395 Progress and Prospects in Habit Research (Sheina Orbell, Bas Verplanken)....Pages 397-409 Back Matter ....Pages 411-418