Testing Theories Using Meta-Analysis
A key focus of my research is the application of meta-anaytic techniques to test key hypotheses ofsocial cognition, motivational, and other behaviorial theories, particularly those that have been applied to health behaviors, using data from the synthesis of multiple studies. The aim is evaluate theory predictive and nomological validity based on the cumulative evidence for the theory predictions across the extant literature and provide an overview of their general efficacy in predicting behavior. The research also enables testing of whether theory effects vary across contexts according to key methodological and theoretical moderating variables. The typical approach to doing this is through the application of meta-analytic structural equation modeling.
Representative publications:
Hagger, M. S., Cheung, M. W. L., Ajzen, I., & Hamilton, K. (2022). Perceived behavioral control moderating effects in the theory of planned behavior: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology, 41(2), 155-167. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001153
Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2021). General causality orientations in self-determination theory: Meta-analysis and test of a process model. European Journal of Personality, 35(5), 710-735. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890207020962330
Hagger, M. S., Koch, S., Chatzisarantis, N. L. D., & Orbell, S. (2017). The common-sense model of self-regulation: Meta-analysis and test of a process model. Psychological Bulletin, 143, 1117-1154. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000118
Hamilton, K., Gibbs, I., *Keech, J. J., & Hagger, M. S. (2020). Reasoned and implicit processes in heavy episodic drinking: An integrated dual process model. British Journal of Health Psychology, 25(1), 189-209. https://doi.org/10.1111/BJHP.12401
McAnally, K., & Hagger, M. S. (2023). Health literacy, social cognition constructs, and health behaviors and outcomes: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology, 42(4), 213–234. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001266
Moyers, S. A., & Hagger, M. S. (2023). Physical activity and cortisol regulation: A meta-analysis. Biological Psychology, 79, 108548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108548
Zhang, C. Q., Zhang, R., Schwarzer, R., & Hagger, M. S. (2019). A meta-analysis of the health action process approach. Health Psychology, 38, 623-637. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000728
New research:
Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2024). Longitudinal tests of the theory of planned behaviour: A meta-analysis. European Review of Social Psychology, 35(1), 198-254. https://doi.org/10.1080/10463283.2023.2225897
Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2025). Testing theory predictions and intervention mechanisms of action in sport and exercise psychology using meta-analysis. Sport Exercise and Performance Psychology, 14(1), 96-119. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000352
Hagger, M. S., Hamilton, K., *Phipps, D. J., Protogerou, C., Zhang, C.-Q., Girelli, L., Mallia, L., & Lucidi, F. (2023). Effects of habit and intention on behavior: Meta-analysis and test of key moderators. Motivation Science, 9(2), 73-94. https://doi.org/10.1037/mot0000294
Hagger, M. S., *McKinley-Rodriguez, L. E., & Hamilton, K. (2026). Illness and treatment beliefs and health outcomes in chronic pain: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2025.2497417
Hagger, M. S., *Sas, S. V., Balla, J., Benoit, T., Majeed, R., Primoceri, P., Smith, S. R., & Hamilton, K. (2026). Trait self-control and health behavior: Meta-analysis and test of a mediational model. Health Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001588
Majeed, R., Hamilton, K., Watts, G. F., & Hagger, M. S. (2024). Social cognition correlates of self-management behaviors in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH): A meta-analytic review. Social Science & Medicine, 351, 116968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116968
Phipps, D. J., Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2025). Relative effects of implicit and explicit attitudes on behavior: A meta-analytic review and test of key moderators. Psychological Bulletin, 151(12), 1395–1447. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000506
Theory Development
I have commented on, and contributed to, the development of social cognition and motivational theories applied to the prediction of behavior, and describe the mechanisms implicated, particularly those theories applied in health behavior contexts.
Representative publications:
Hagger, M. S. (2014). The multiple pathways by which trait self-control predicts health behavior. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 48, 282-283. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-014-9631-x
Hagger, M. S. (2019). Habit and physical activity: Theoretical advances, practical implications, and agenda for future research. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 42, 118-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.12.007
Hagger, M. S. (2020). Redefining habits and linking habits with other implicit processes. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 46, 101606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101606
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., *Moyers, S., *McAnally, K., & *McKinley, L. E. (2020). Known knowns and known unknowns on behavior change interventions and mechanisms of action. Health Psychology Review, 14(1), 199-212. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2020.1719184
Hagger, M. S., & Orbell, S. (2022). The common sense model of illness self-regulation: A conceptual review and proposed extended model. Health Psychology Review, 16(3), 347-377. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2021.1878050
Hagger, M. S., & Weed, M. E. (2019). DEBATE: Do behavioral interventions work in the real world? International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16, 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-019-0795-4
New research:
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. (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). Progress on theory of planned behavior research: Advances in research synthesis and agenda for future research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 48(1), 43-56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-024-00545-8
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
Kaushal, N., Nemati, D., Keith, N., & Hagger, M. S. (in press). A longitudinal theory-based investigation of how environmental aesthetics predicts home-based exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 56(9), 1664-1671. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003450