Demonstrating

Source: Online Behavior Guidelines | Lifestyle in Healthcare Coalition

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The Demonstrating strategy focuses on Being able: patients must see that behavior change is possible and learn how to do it. This chapter covers two techniques.

1. Role model stories

With role model stories, you use an observable example (role model) that shows what behavior change looks like and what it yields.

Tip

People learn effectively by watching others. When they see that someone like them can do it, they believe they can too.

Why does this work?

• Social proof: if others can do it, so can I
• Identification: recognition in someone else’s story
• Concrete examples: abstract advice becomes tangible

Characteristics of a good role model

Characteristic	Why important
Relatable	Similar age, situation, background
Credible	Real experience, not too perfect
Successful	Shows that change is possible
Accessible	Also shares struggles and obstacles

Step-by-step plan

1. Provide sufficient background information about the role model:

   • Age, gender, living situation
   • Starting point and challenges

2. Give the context for the change:

   • What was the challenge or problem?
   • What was the motivation to change?

3. Describe the process:

   • What steps did the role model take?
   • What obstacles did they encounter?
   • How did they overcome them?

4. Show the result:

   • What did the change yield?
   • How does the role model feel now?

Examples of formats

• Video testimonials: short films with real patients
• Written stories: quotes and experience stories
• Podcasts/interviews: in-depth conversations
• Social media posts: short, shareable stories

Methodological requirements

• Choose relatable role models for your target audience
• Avoid too-perfect stories - obstacles make it credible
• Show that the behavior is achievable for a role model
• Use multiple role models for diversity

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2. Skills training

With skills training, patients learn new health skills through instruction and demonstration.

Types of skills

Type	Example
Practical skills	Healthy cooking, taking medication
Social skills	Saying no to unhealthy temptation
Cognitive skills	Recognizing hunger vs. emotional eating
Self-regulation	Dealing with stress without cigarettes

Step-by-step plan

1. Show how the new behavior can be performed in practice:

   • Give visual examples (video, photos, illustrations)
   • Break complex actions into steps
   • Show the “why” behind each step

2. Give instruction for difficult moments:

   • What do you do when you crave something unhealthy?
   • How do you deal with social pressure?
   • What are alternatives to old habits?

3. Offer practice opportunities:

   • Interactive scenarios
   • Quiz or knowledge test
   • Exercises to do at home

Formats for skills training

Format	Best for
Instructional video	Practical actions (cooking, exercising)
Step-by-step text	Complex processes
Interactive module	Social skills, decision-making
Infographic	Overview of steps

Tips

• Make the behavior observable and repeatable
• Give feedback on practiced skills
• Build from easy to difficult
• Repeat important points

Examples

• Cooking workshops | Voedingscentrum
• Quit smoking step-by-step plan | Rokeninfo.nl
• Exercise videos for home workouts

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Scientific foundation

• Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.
• Kazdin, A.E. (2001). Behavior modification in applied settings. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
• Prochaska, J.O., & DiClemente, C.C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390.

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This article is from: Online Behavior Guidelines (PDF)

Published by the Lifestyle in Healthcare Coalition, February 2025