Theoretical approaches of online social network interventions and implications for behavioral change : a systematic review
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Volume
Advance publication
First Page
1
Last Page
10
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Keywords
Behavioral change, Health intervention, Health psychology, Online social network, Social cognitive theory, Social media
Abstract
Rational, aims and objectives: The aim of this review was to identify general theoretical frameworks used in online social network interventions for behavioral change. To address this research question, a PRISMA-compliant systematic review was conducted.
Methods: A systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42014007555) was conducted using 3 electronic databases (PsycINFO, Pubmed, and Embase). Four reviewers screened 1788 abstracts.
Results: 15 studies were selected according to the eligibility criteria. Randomized controlled trials and controlled studies were assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's "risk-of-bias" tool, and narrative synthesis. Five eligible articles used the social cognitive theory as a framework to develop interventions targeting behavioral change. Other theoretical frameworks were related to the dynamics of social networks, intention models, and community engagement theories. Only one of the studies selected in the review mentioned a well-known theory from the field of health psychology.
Conclusion: Conclusions were that guidelines are lacking in the design of online social network interventions for behavioral change. Existing theories and models from health psychology that are traditionally used for in situ behavioral change should be considered when designing online social network interventions in a health care setting.
DOI
10.1111/jep.12655
Print ISSN
13561294
E-ISSN
13652753
Funding Information
Funded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in E-Health (1032664) and a Special Research Initiative of the Australian Research Council: ARC-SRI Science of Learning Research Centre (SRI20300015). {1032664, SRI20300015}
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Arguel, A., Perez-Concha, O., Li, S. Y., & Lau, A. Y. (2016). Theoretical approaches of online social network interventions and implications for behavioral change: A systematic review. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, Advance publication, 1-10. doi: 10.1111/jep.12655