Introduction to the Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Technique Selector

The SBC Technique Selector is a specialized tool designed to assist in the development and implementation of social and behavior change interventions. Its core function is to guide users through the steps of the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework, which is commonly used in public health and social behavior change programs. The tool ensures that users identify key behavioral determinants, select appropriate methods, and tailor interventions to meet specific cultural and contextual needs. An example scenario would be designing a health campaign to reduce smoking in a community. The SBC Technique Selector would guide the program developer to assess the community’s attitudes, beliefs, and self-efficacy regarding smoking cessation, and then suggest methods such as persuasive communication and modeling to address these determinants.

Main Functions of the SBC Technique Selector

  • Needs Assessment

    Example Example

    In a campaign to improve sexual health education, the SBC Technique Selector helps identify key behavioral determinants like knowledge gaps or peer influence regarding condom use.

    Example Scenario

    In a school-based program for adolescent sexual health, the tool assists in determining whether students lack risk awareness or the skills needed to use condoms effectively.

  • Method Selection

    Example Example

    For a campaign targeting increased physical activity, the tool would recommend behavior change methods such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and providing feedback to participants.

    Example Scenario

    In a corporate wellness program, employees may be encouraged to set incremental fitness goals. The tool suggests self-efficacy-building methods and how to integrate feedback mechanisms to track progress.

  • Program Evaluation

    Example Example

    During a campaign to reduce stigma around mental health, the SBC Technique Selector can guide the assessment of intervention effectiveness by measuring changes in community attitudes or help-seeking behaviors.

    Example Scenario

    A mental health awareness initiative is evaluated based on reductions in discriminatory attitudes, with feedback loops to adjust the messaging if necessary.

Ideal Users of the SBC Technique Selector

  • Public Health Practitioners

    Public health professionals use the SBC Technique Selector to design, implement, and evaluate interventions targeting specific health behaviors such as vaccination uptake or chronic disease management. They benefit from the tool’s structured approach in identifying behavioral determinants and applying evidence-based behavior change methods.

  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

    NGOs working in international development or social behavior change projects often tackle complex social issues, such as gender equality or environmental sustainability. The SBC Technique Selector helps them create context-sensitive interventions by recommending culturally appropriate behavior change techniques, ensuring inclusivity and attention to power dynamics.

How to Use the Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Technique Selector

  • 1

    Visit aichatonline.org for a free trial without requiring any login, and you do not need a ChatGPT Plus subscription.

  • 2

    Understand your program's needs by clearly identifying the target behavior, audience, and the determinants you wish to address. Consider any cultural, gender, and power dynamics in your context.

  • 3

    Identify relevant determinants and explore the SBC Technique Selector for suggested behavior change methods tailored to your program's needs. This ensures you choose the most effective strategies.

  • 4

    Use the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework to align the selected techniques with your program's objectives. This step ensures the methods are applied effectively, respecting the parameters for effectiveness.

  • 5

    Continuously monitor and evaluate the application of these techniques within your intervention. Adjust the methods as necessary based on feedback and evolving literature for optimal results.

  • Behavioral Change
  • Health Promotion
  • Program Design
  • Intervention Mapping
  • Social Influence

FAQs about Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Technique Selector

  • What is the Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Technique Selector?

    The SBC Technique Selector is a tool designed to help program developers select the most effective behavior change methods using the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework. It offers a structured way to identify suitable techniques for targeting specific determinants of behavior, ensuring evidence-based interventions.

  • How can the SBC Technique Selector enhance my intervention design?

    By offering a comprehensive taxonomy of behavior change methods, the SBC Technique Selector helps you choose approaches tailored to your target population and behavior determinants. This ensures interventions are grounded in theory and best practices, enhancing their effectiveness.

  • Does the SBC Technique Selector consider cultural and contextual factors?

    Yes, the tool encourages users to consider cultural, gender, and power dynamics when selecting behavior change methods. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring interventions to fit the specific context of the target population, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

  • Can I use the SBC Technique Selector for group-level interventions?

    Absolutely. The tool offers methods suitable for individual, organizational, community, and policy levels. It helps users identify techniques that address both individual behaviors and broader environmental changes, making it versatile for different intervention scales.

  • What makes the SBC Technique Selector different from other behavior change tools?

    The SBC Technique Selector is based on the Intervention Mapping framework, a widely recognized approach in health psychology. It stands out for its comprehensive taxonomy of behavior change methods and its focus on aligning theory-based methods with practical applications.