Smoking and physical inactivity are two of the main causes of preventable disease and early death. This dissertation explored how people’s identity - how they see themselves - can help explain and change these behaviors.
Across six studies, including systematic reviews, experiments, and interviews, the research examined how identity relates to smoking and physical activity, and how identity-based interventions can promote lasting change.
The findings show that identity plays a pivotal role in whether people smoke or are physically active. People who see being active or smoke-free as part of “who they are” are more likely to live healthily. Identity is not fixed—it can evolve, and with it, behavior. The research also revealed that scientific studies use many different definitions and measures of identity, making results difficult to compare. To move the field forward, clearer and more unified approaches are needed. Moreover, identity-based programs should be tailored...
Show moreSmoking and physical inactivity are two of the main causes of preventable disease and early death. This dissertation explored how people’s identity - how they see themselves - can help explain and change these behaviors.
Across six studies, including systematic reviews, experiments, and interviews, the research examined how identity relates to smoking and physical activity, and how identity-based interventions can promote lasting change.
The findings show that identity plays a pivotal role in whether people smoke or are physically active. People who see being active or smoke-free as part of “who they are” are more likely to live healthily. Identity is not fixed—it can evolve, and with it, behavior. The research also revealed that scientific studies use many different definitions and measures of identity, making results difficult to compare. To move the field forward, clearer and more unified approaches are needed. Moreover, identity-based programs should be tailored to the person—what works for one may not work for another. Personal characteristics such as motivation, dependence, and social context shape how people respond to identity-focused approaches. Finally, collaboration across disciplines and with end-users is key to designing interventions that are both effective and meaningful in real life.
These results show that how people see themselves is central to healthy living. By linking health behaviors to identity and tailoring interventions to individuals, researchers and professionals can develop more personal, scalable, and sustainable ways to support lasting change.
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