Glossary
Body changes
What does “body changes” mean in behavior change?
Body changes, technique 12.6 in BCT Taxonomy v1, refers to direct changes to bodily structure, functioning, or support intended to help behavior change.
How it works
The aim is to change something about the body’s structure, functioning, or physical support so an action becomes more feasible. The taxonomy lists pharmacological support separately, so a drug-based intervention should not automatically be assigned this label.
Applied example
The published taxonomy gives a hearing aid as an example. Imagine someone who wants to join a weekly discussion but has difficulty hearing other speakers. Providing an appropriately fitted hearing aid addresses the hearing difficulty that makes it hard to follow and take part in the conversation. Whether it improves participation still needs to be checked.
This differs from technique 12.5, adding objects to the environment, whose examples include providing a toothbrush to support toothbrushing. A hearing aid is specifically listed under body changes because the intervention directly supports bodily functioning. Medication belongs under the separate pharmacological-support technique, 11.1.
Why it matters
A practical obstacle may concern what a person can physically do. Asking for more determination does not address that obstacle. The technique directs attention to physical functioning and support, but whether a particular intervention helps still needs to be tested.
The original taxonomy and its definitions specify the technique; separate outcome research is needed to assess effectiveness.