Theory-Based Determinants and Behavior Change Research
A key research theme is focused on identification of the motivational and belief-based psychological deterimants of behavior, particularly in health behavior contexts, and testing predictive models that identify the relative effects of these determinants. We also leverage the upstream knowledge offered by these tests and the theoretical insights arising to inform the development of efficacious health behavior change interventions to promote adaptive health behavior outcomes.
Representative publications:
Hagger, M. S., Cameron, L. D., Hamilton, K., Hankonen, N., & Lintunen, T. (Eds.). (2020). The handbook of behavior change. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108677318
Hagger, M. S., & Conroy, D. (2020). Imagery, visualization, and mental simulation interventions. In M. S. Hagger, L. D. Cameron, K. Hamilton, N. Hankonen, & T. Lintunen (Eds.), The handbook of behavior change (pp. 479-494). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/97811086773180.033
Hagger, M. S., Hankonen, N., Chatzisarantis, N. L. D., & Ryan, R. M. (2020). Changing behavior using self-determination theory. In M. S. Hagger, L. D. Cameron, K. Hamilton, N. Hankonen, & T. Lintunen (Eds.), The handbook of behavior change (pp. 104-119). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108677318.008
Hamilton, K., Keech, J. J., Peden, A. E., & Hagger, M. S. (2021). Changing driver behavior during floods: Testing a novel e-health intervention using implementation imagery. Safety Science, 136, 105141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2020.105141
Keech, J. J., Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2019). Changing stress mindsets with a novel imagery intervention: A randomized controlled trial. Emotion. doi: 10.1037/emo0000678
Polet, J., Hassandra, M., Lintunen, T., Laukkanen, A., Hankonen, N., Hirvensalo, M., . . . Hagger, M. S. (2019). Using physical education to promote out-of school physical activity in lower secondary school students - A randomized controlled trial protocol. BMC Public Health, 19, 157. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-6478-x
Smith, S. R., Hagger, M. S., Keech, J. J., Moyers, S. A., & Hamilton, K. (2022). Improving hand hygiene behavior using a novel theory-based intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 56(11), 1157-1173. https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaac041
New research:
Reviews
Hagger, M. S. (2025). Psychological determinants of health behavior. Annual Review of Psychology, 76, 821-850. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-020124-114222
Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2023). Optimizing behavior change through integration of individual and system level intervention approaches. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 46, e157. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X23001012
Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2024). Trait self-control as a determinant of health behavior: Recent advances on mechanisms and future directions for research. Current Opinion in Psychology, 101887. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101887
Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2025). Psychological determinants and evidence-based behavior change interventions in adherence to therapy for familial hypercholesterolemia. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 32(2), 52-58. https://doi.org/10.1097/med.0000000000000893
Hamilton, K., & Hagger, M. S. (2025). Elucidating the processes by which specific beliefs and attitudes predict behavior: Advocacy for a comprehensive, integrated approach. Psychological Inquiry 36(1), 26-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/1047840X.2025.2482352
Determinants Research Examples
Chan, D. K. C., Wan, A. W. L., Zhang, C. Q., & Hagger, M. S. (2025). Parents’ motivation and behavior to protect their children from COVID-19: A prospective test of self-determination theory. Lifestyle Medicine, 6(2), e70013. https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.70013
Chan, D. K. C., Yip, L. M. H., Tang, T. C. W., Yung, P. S.-H., Gucciardi, D. F., & Hagger, M. S. (2025). Implicit doping attitude and athletes’ accuracy in avoiding inadvertent doping when being offered beverages with banned performance-enhancing substances. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 28(10), 787–792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2025.04.009
Phipps, D. J., Green, W. T., Lintunen, T., Knittle, K., & Hagger, M. S. (2025). Linking autonomy supportive parenting with their children’s autonomous motivation toward, and participation in, physical activity. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-025-10358-x
Phipps, D. J., Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2025). Differentiating the determinants of ever having used a vape versus frequent use: A hurdle modelling approach. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-026-10448-4
Intervention Testing Examples
Kókai, L. L., Ó Ceallaigh, D. T., Wijtzes, A. I., Roeters van Lennep, J. E., Duvekot, J. J., Hagger, M. S., Cawley, J., Burdorf, A., Rohde, K. I. M., & van Kippersluis, H. (2025). App-based physical activity intervention among women with prior hypertensive pregnancy disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 8(4), e252656. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.2656
Lee, A. S. Y., Yung, P. S. H., Ong, M. T. Y. L., C., Wong, T. W. L., Siu, P. M., Hagger, M. S., & Chan, D. K. C. (2023). Effectiveness of a theory-driven mHealth intervention in promoting post-surgery rehabilitation adherence in patients who had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized clinical trial. Social Science & Medicine, 335, 116219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116219
Sun, Y., Gao, Y., Ou, A. Y. T., Wang, X., Xie, X. J., Chen, X., Fong, S. S. M., Huang, W. Y., Zhang, C.-Q., Baker, J. S., & Hagger, M. S. (2026). Effectiveness of a blended intervention to promote physical activity among office employees: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 28, e80249. https://doi.org/10.2196/80249
Phipps, D. J., Green, W. T., Lintunen, T., Hagger, M. S., & Knittle, K. (2025). Predicting engagement and retention during an online theory-based intervention to promote physical activity among inactive parent-child dyads. European Journal of Sport Science, 25(11), e70060. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.70060