Glossary
Valued self-identity
What is valued self-identity?
The valued self-identity technique prompts someone to write about or rate an important value or personal strength to affirm their identity as part of a behavior change strategy. BCT Taxonomy v1 labels it technique 13.4.
How it works
The technique includes self-affirmation through this specific writing or rating activity.
Example
As part of a behavior-change session, a facilitator could give this prompt: “Choose a personal value that matters to you, such as curiosity. Describe a time when you acted on it, and explain why that experience matters to how you see yourself.”
Someone might write about patiently learning how to repair an old radio: what they did, why understanding the problem mattered, and what the experience says about a strength they value. The writing activity affirms a valued part of the person’s identity. It need not claim that the behavior being discussed is part of that identity; simply saying “I am the kind of person who exercises” would describe a different activity. This is a hypothetical prompt, not evidence that the exercise produces a particular outcome.
Why it matters
This definition makes intervention descriptions more precise. The taxonomy names what was done; separate evidence is needed for its effects.