COM-B model

COM-B model

Behaviour change is a dynamic process. People do not change because they are told to. They change because the conditions that produced the old behaviour are different.

The COM-BCOM-BA behaviour change model: behaviour requires Capability, Opportunity and Motivation. model (Michie et al.) breaks behaviour change into three components, all of which must be present:

• Capability — does the person have the physical and psychological ability to do the new thing?
• Opportunity — does the environment make it possible?
• Motivation — do they want to, in the moment of choice?

Behaviour follows when all three line up. Miss one, and the behaviour does not happen.

A worked example

A person says they want to walk for 30 minutes most days for their knee.

• Capability — do they have the physical fitness? Do they know what kind of walking is right for the knee? Do they have appropriate shoes?
• Opportunity — do they live somewhere walkable? Is the area safe at the times they could walk? Is there a walking group they could join (which adds social motivation as well)?
• Motivation — do they actually want to? What would make them want to on a wet Wednesday morning?

A plan that addresses all three is more likely to stick. A plan that only addresses motivation ("I'll just try harder") usually doesn't.

Why this matters for SPLWs

You are not a behaviour-change therapist. But the COM-BCOM-BA behaviour change model: behaviour requires Capability, Opportunity and Motivation. frame is a useful diagnostic for why a plan isn't working:

• "They keep not coming to the cooking group." — opportunity (transport)? capability (mobility)? motivation (loneliness eased after first contact)?

Use the frame to shape the next conversation, not to lecture the person.

The transtheoretical model (stages of change)

The framework also references the transtheoretical model — the idea that change moves through stages: pre-contemplation → contemplation → preparation → action → maintenance. People can move forwards and backwards through these stages.

Pair COM-BCOM-BA behaviour change model: behaviour requires Capability, Opportunity and Motivation. with stages: someone in contemplation needs different support than someone in action. A person in pre-contemplation is not failing — they are not ready, and pushing them harder is counter-productive.

Linked competencies

• Promotes and supports behaviour change through coaching and motivational interviewing techniques (Domain 2).