Determinants and strategies of habit degradation: an intensive longitudinal study

Objectives: Unhealthy habits can pose a barrier to health behaviour maintenance, yet little is known about the determinants or strategies of habit degradation. We explore the role of person-, cue-, and behaviour related determinants, alongside different habit degradation strategies using implementation intentions (II) for habit degradation. Methods and Measures: Participants (N = 194) formed IIs for self-selected strategies (substitution, inhibition or cue discontinuity) to degrade a habit (related to sedentary behaviour, unhealthy snacking, alcohol use, or smoking) over 12 weeks. Daily diaries assessed habit strength using the Self-Report Behavioural Automaticity Index and its determinants. II characteristics were qualitatively coded. Linear regression and multilevel modelling tested predictors of habit strength.Results: Habit strength was greater on days with cue-encounter and lower on days with non-performance of habitual behaviour and higher-than-average reward. Substitution was the most common strategy. Stress and intention were significant in some models. No significant associations were found for strategy type or II characteristics.Conclusion: Non-performance of the habitual behaviour and reward emerged as determinants of habit degradation, while encountering habitual cues might counteract degradation efforts. Although strategies did not differ in impact, preference for substitution may reflect higher feasibility than inhibition and cue discontinuity. Experimental replication is warranted.