This study examines behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in interventions delivered to women with breast cancer or survivors of breast cancer. We aimed to identify BCTs that are consistently used in interventions, particularly those supported by evidence across three outcomes: nutrition behaviour, physical activity, and body weight.

Cardiometabolic diseases are major global health concerns, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Self-monitoring is crucial for managing these conditions; however, the adherence to self-monitoring remains suboptimal. Nudge-based interventions, such as reminders and automatic prescription refills, have shown promise in improving self-monitoring behaviours. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of nudge-based interventions on self-monitoring behaviours and health outcomes in this population. Thirty-five randomised controlled trials from seven databases (earliest available date to March 2025) were included. Nudge strategies were categorised according to the choice architecture taxonomy by Münscher et al. Meta-analysis demonstrated that nudge-based interventions were associated with significant improvements in self-monitoring behaviours in cardiometabolic patients (Hedge's  = 0.56; 95% CI [0.44, 0.69];  < 0.001) as well as reductions in HbA1c levels (MD = -0.50;  < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (MD = -4.47;  < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (MD = -2.02;  < 0.05) compared to the control group. Subgroup analyses indicated that the effect size of nudge interventions may vary by delivery mode, components, and intervention duration. Our findings suggest that integrating diverse behavioural nudges could optimise management strategies for these patients, enhancing both self-monitoring adherence and health outcomes.

This systematic review of prospective studies examined whether psychological stress-conceptualised as cumulative stressful life events or perceived stress-is associated with cancer incidence. It was pre-registered in PROSPERO (IDCRD42020175681) and conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using the NIH Tool for Observational Studies, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. Hazard ratios were synthesised using random-effects meta-analyses. Nineteen studies were included, evaluating the effect of stressful life events (k=6) and/or perceived stress (k=15) on overall (k=3), breast (k=10), prostate (k=3), colorectal (k=2) and endometrial (k=1) cancer. Neither stressful life events nor perceived stress was consistently associated with cancer risk. Conflicting results emerged for perceived stress, including both protective and detrimental effects, particularly for breast and colorectal cancer. Most studies employed non-validated stress measures (k=12), assessed stress only once (k=17), and did not examine its impact comprehensively (k=11). The certainty of evidence was graded as very low. This review found no consistent evidence linking psychological stress to cancer risk. More high-quality prospective studies using comprehensive and validated measures of psychological stress and exploring potential moderators can help advance knowledge on the role of psychological stress in cancer incidence.

Decision fatigue is the tendency towards making less effortful decisions as the cumulative mental burden of effortful decision-making increases. Health professionals working long shifts may be particularly vulnerable to decision fatigue. This preregistered systematic review (Prospero ID = CRD42021260081, no external funding) aims to synthesise the empirical evidence on decision fatigue in the healthcare context. Systematic searches across eight databases identified 14,740 records.  = 82 studies (72 quantitative, 1 qualitative, 1 review, 8 expert discussions) met the inclusion criteria (health professionals/trainees; medical decisions over time; healthcare context; any design). Study quality was assessed with the MMAT or relevant JBI checklist. Narrative synthesis revealed that 45% of cases that quantitatively assessed the decision fatigue hypothesis provided evidence of significant decision fatigue effects across diagnostic, test ordering, prescribing, and therapeutic decisions. Expert discussions confirmed healthcare professionals' recognition of decision fatigue as an important phenomenon. However, decision fatigue was inconsistently defined and inadequately operationalised, reflecting limitations in current theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. To address this, we propose a new definition for greater conceptual clarity and more consistent operationalisation in future research.' Future studies should prioritise the development and testing of different theoretical explanations for decision fatigue to improve understanding and facilitate the development of appropriate interventions.

There is consistent research evidence demonstrating that physical activity and sedentary time are related to mental health and subjective wellbeing outcomes. Existing syntheses have examined the between-person association, the results of which cannot be extrapolated to the experiences of individuals. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to synthesise the within-person correlation between daily physical activity and sedentary behaviours with daily subjective wellbeing. Four databases were searched with keywords for physical activity and sedentary behaviours, subjective wellbeing, and intensive longitudinal study designs. A correlated and hierarchical random effects meta-analysis was used to synthesise the results. Seventy-six unique studies reporting on 13,768 participants were included. There was a significant positive within-person correlation between general physical activity ( = 0.13) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ( = 0.11) with subjective wellbeing, and a significant negative within-person correlation between sedentary time and subjective wellbeing ( = -0.19). Results from moderation analyses demonstrated that the association was significantly weaker between general physical activity and subjective wellbeing when considering the association with negative affect compared to other subjective wellbeing outcomes. This review provides novel insights into the association between physical activity and sedentary time with subjective wellbeing. Implications of findings and areas that warrant future research interest are discussed.

Serious medical events are increasingly recognised as potential triggers for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of interventions for medically induced PTSD. Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to November 2023 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024504055). Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials of interventions for adults diagnosed with, or exhibiting elevated symptoms of, PTSD related to life-threatening medical events. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Group differences at follow-up were assessed using independent -tests for statistical significance, and Cohen's was calculated to measure effect sizes. Eleven trials (sample sizes: 17-89) met inclusion criteria, with PTSD primarily resulting from cardiovascular events ( = 5) or cancer ( = 4). Interventions included trauma-focused psychotherapies ( = 8; e.g., Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing [EMDR]) and others ( = 3; e.g., supportive therapy). Most studies reported significant posttreatment differences and large effect sizes favouring the intervention group, with EMDR and other trauma-focused psychotherapies particularly well-supported. Common limitations included small sample sizes, use of self-reported outcomes, and high dropout rates. Results highlight the efficacy of several interventions for medically induced PTSD and the need for larger trials.

The absence of a comprehensive, unified, conceptualisation of loneliness and the consequent lack of a clear and precise theoretical definition of loneliness impede research, policy and practice activities to understand and address this global public health issue. Our study aimed to establish the first such conceptualisation and develop the first such definition. To do so, we undertook a systematic conceptual review, specifically an umbrella concept analysis, including 42 documents summarising/synthesising the literature concerning the conceptualisation and/or theoretical definition of loneliness. The novel definition developed is . In the process, we identified the unidimensionality of loneliness and generated clarity regarding the opposite of loneliness ('unloneliness'). We call on researchers, policymakers and practitioners working in the field of loneliness, the wider field of interpersonal relationships or encountering loneliness in other fields of activity, across the globe, to employ the novel conceptualisation and theoretical definition as a foundation for activities to further progress understanding and addressing of loneliness. We also encourage consideration of unloneliness, when undertaking such activities.

Women affected by gynaecological cancers are at an increased risk of psychological distress, diminished psychological wellbeing and quality of life (QoL). This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised the impact of psychosocial interventions on these three outcomes. A total of 23 studies ( = 3345 participants), including 19 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) were assessed using Cochrane RoB2 and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-regression random effect modelling analyses revealed reductions in psychological distress ( < .001) and improvements in psychological wellbeing ( = .003) and QoL ( < .001). Findings highlight the potential of interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation to complement multidisciplinary approaches addressing patients' biopsychosocial needs. Psychoeducation's integration with other interventions enhanced patient self-management and coping. Multidisciplinary interventions demonstrated effects on outcomes related to body image and sexual health concerns. However, variability in study designs, intervention delivery, follow-up periods and high risk of bias underscore the need for robust research and standardised measures. Overall, the review reinforces the value of holistic, tailored interventions to meet the diverse needs of women affected by gynaecological cancers. Future research may consider refining intervention timing, delivery methods and cost-effectiveness while addressing disparities in access to ensure equitable care.

Scientific journals play a crucial role in promoting open science. The Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) guidelines identify a range of standards that journals can adopt to promote the verifiability of the research they publish. We evaluated the adoption of TOP standards within health psychology and behavioural medicine journal policies, as this had not yet been systematically assessed. In a cross-sectional study on 19 health psychology and behavioural medicine journals, eight raters evaluated TOP standard adoption by these journals using the TRUST journal policy evaluation tool. Out of a total possible score of 29, journal scores ranged from 1 to 13 (median = 6). Standards related to use of reporting guidelines and data transparency were adopted the most, whereas standards related to pre-registration of study analysis plans and citation of code were adopted the least. TOP guidelines have to-date been poorly adopted within health psychology and behavioural medicine journal policies. There are several relatively straightforward opportunities for improvement, such as expanding policies around research data to also consider code and materials, and reducing ambiguity of wording. However, other improvements may require a collaborative approach involving all research stakeholders.

Stress influences health behaviours critical for preventing non-communicable diseases. Although research on the stress-health behaviour relationship in daily life has grown, a synthesis of measures and findings is lacking. This systematic review examines stress measures used in intensive longitudinal studies in daily life, their reliability and associations with health behaviours. We included studies measuring self-reported (cognitive appraisal-based) or physiological stress in daily life alongside health behaviours including eating, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. We excluded studies on physical stress, mood, laboratory-induced stress, non-English publications, and animal studies. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Tool. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched 2,333 records from PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science, leading to 100 included studies with 18,122 participants. Narrative synthesis of results showed that self-reported stress measures dominated (94.5%), while physiological measures were underrepresented (5.5%). Stress was linked to unhealthier behaviours (30.2%), healthier behaviours (14.1%), or was not associated with health behaviour (55.7%), depending on conceptual, methodology, and sample characteristics. Notably, physiological stress predominantly correlated with healthier behaviours, while self-reported stress predominantly related to unhealthier behaviours. Low study quality limit comparability, highlighting the need for standardised reporting to improve future research on stress and health behaviour.

As cognitive decline is a progressive process, it is crucial to determine the environmental influences that contribute to its onset and advancement. The transition into retirement may be a pivotal moment impacting cognitive functioning. This study aimed to synthesise evidence on the effects of retirement on cognitive functioning through a systematic review of longitudinal studies. A systematic search was conducted in the CINAHL and APA PsycArticles databases, as well as in SciELO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, for studies published since 2013, following PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-two studies were selected. A narrative synthesis of the main characteristics and results of the included studies enabled the identification of overarching trends as well as confounding and moderating variables in the relationship between retirement and cognitive functioning. Overall, the findings suggested that retirement was associated with lower cognitive functioning, an increased rate of decline, and a higher risk of dementia. Sociodemographic variables, cognitive domains assessed, mental job demands, and occupational groups were found to modify this relationship. Possible mechanisms such as reduced cognitive stimulation, increased stress, and role disengagement are discussed.

Consistent hearing aid use protects against spoken language delays in 0-3-year-olds with hearing loss; however, use is at its lowest and most variable during this critical period for language development. The few intervention efforts to increase infant hearing aid use demonstrate limited effectiveness and lack a theoretically driven understanding of the factors influencing use, potentially inhibiting progress in increasing infant hearing aid use. We aimed to address this gap in understanding by conducting a systematic review and mixed methods synthesis of research reporting parent- and professional-reported barriers and facilitators to hearing aid use in 0-3-year-olds, using framework analysis guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Twenty-seven studies were included, which reported 203 unique barriers and 196 unique facilitators, representing all 14 TDF domains. The most prevalent domains identified were , , , , and . The determinants of hearing aid use in children aged 0-3 years therefore appear to extend beyond the narrow subset targeted by current interventions (e.g., predominantly and ). Interventions would benefit from: (i) targeting a wider range of determinants than existing interventions address; and (ii) applying a theoretically informed framework to guide intervention design.

This systematic review and meta-regression analysis examined behavioural correlates of plasma donation intention and behaviour, employing the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to categorise associated factors. From 53 included studies ( = 3,282,755 participants), we identified 56 unique factors spanning 11 TDF domains. Meta-regression revealed significant correlations between plasma donation intention and six domains, including beliefs about capabilities, social influences, and emotions. Meta-regression of factors associated with behaviour did not identify any significant associations. This review highlights key theoretically informed correlates of plasma donation intention but reveals a lack of evidence on predictors of actual donation behaviour. Addressing this intention-behaviour gap through robust, longitudinal research will be critical to informing effective plasma donation interventions.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) bears a heavy toll on individuals' psychological wellbeing and quality of life. Despite vital to the development of effective interventions, systematic and quantifiable knowledge on modifiable factors associated with adult SLE adjustment and disease/illness activity is currently lacking. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to bridge this gap, by examining the effects of modifiable psychological, social, and behavioural factors associated with SLE adjustment and disease/illness activity. Eight databases were searched for quantitative studies, using Boolean combinations of keywords on SLE adjustment, disease/illness activity and psychological, social, or behavioural correlates/predictors. Ninety studies were included in the narrative review, and fifty-four in the meta-analysis. The psychological factors more strongly associated with SLE adjustment and disease/illness activity were illness- and treatment-related illness- and treatment-related beliefs, self-perceptions, resilience-related factors, and perceived stress. Avoiding sedentary behaviour showed a consistent, albeit small association with better outcomes. Social factors were largely under investigated, but better perceived social support showed moderate associations with better outcomes. The meta-analysis findings, which should be considered with caution due to high risk of bias, uncovered several potentially fruitful avenues for future research and highlight potentially relevant targets for psychosocial and behavioural interventions to improve quality of life of individuals with SLE.

Beliefs about illness powerfully shape how people experience and respond to health conditions. The dominant theory underpinning illness perception - Leventhal's Common-Sense Model - proposes that individuals construct cognitive representations of illness based on specific beliefs about its features and likely course (e.g., symptom severity, timeline, controllability). These perceptions predict key outcomes, including functioning, quality of life, emotional distress, and treatment adherence. Mindsets are related but distinct: they are broader, more abstract beliefs about the nature and meaning of illness (e.g., viewing cancer as 'manageable' or 'a catastrophe'). While the illness perception literature is well established, mindset research in the health context is more recent, with promising findings and emerging tools for intervention. In this paper, we critically review both constructs, highlight their complementary strengths and limitations, and propose an integrative framework that unites them. We argue that combining these perspectives can sharpen measurement, deepen theoretical understanding, and enhance the impact of belief-based interventions in healthcare.

Emphasising herd immunity in vaccine communication may affect vaccine uptake by eliciting prosocial or selfish motivations. While experimental evidence has accumulated, quantitative syntheses are lacking. We conducted a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis to estimate how emphasising herd immunity affects vaccination motivation. Literature up to April 2025 was searched across seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) without restrictions. Non-experimental studies or those not assessing vaccination motivation were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using JBI checklists. From 5,862 records, 3,676 underwent title/abstract screening; 278 were assessed, yielding 43 included studies (67 effects), totalling 101,720 participants (51,725 vs. 49,995 for intervention vs. control groups). The pooled effect size (Hedges g = 0.12, 95% CI [0.08, 0.17],  < .001) indicated small, positive effects, but between-study heterogeneity was large (I² = 91.9%). Subgroup analysis showed a twice as large effect for experiential methods (e.g., virtual reality, simulations:  = 0.29, 95% CI [0.16, 0.42],  < .001). Study quality was adequate, without evidence of publication bias. These findings suggest that emphasising herd immunity increases vaccination motivation, especially when using experiential communication methods. Directions for future research and implications for public health campaigns are discussed.

Identifying influences on engagement with blood pressure (BP) checks can assist with intervention design for hypertension detection. This systematic review searched four databases (Embase, Emcare, MEDLINE and Web of Science) for papers published from 2015 to 2023 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023398002). Eligible studies reported influences on BP checks in community or primary care settings. Data were coded and mapped using the Action, Actor, Context, Target, Time framework and Behaviour Change Wheel. Analysis of 18 studies generated eight themes: (1) 'Difficult-to-use devices with no accessible information on how to use them' (2) 'Lack of awareness about hypertension and BP checks', (3) 'Stigma and disconnect with identity' (4) 'Beliefs about the value of BP checks', (5) 'Fear and uncertainty', (6) 'Lack of appropriate and comfortable local services' (7) 'Financial cost of engaging with BP check services' and (8) 'Social contacts or health professional recommended a check'. Knowledge, identity, emotions, social contacts and environmental factors are key behavioural influences on adults' engagement with BP checks. Potential intervention strategies include education on hypertension, addressing misconceptions about BP checks, increasing access to BP check services and harnessing the influence of social norms, social connections and trusted sources to improve engagement.

This study evaluates the effect of digital psychological interventions on anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms in adults affected by the pandemic. A systematic search across five digital databases, from 1 January 2020 to 6 March 2024, identified 36 studies encompassing 8,662 participants. Compared with all control conditions, random-effects meta-analyses indicated that digital psychological interventions significantly reduced anxiety ( = -0.374; 95% CI, -0.529 to -0.218), depression ( = -0.568; 95% CI, -0.776 to -0.360), and stress ( = -0.452; 95% CI, -0.608 to -0.295). Smaller effect sizes were observed when compared with active controls than with inactive controls. Notable heterogeneity across three outcomes was observed. Publication bias was noted in depression symptoms. Several moderators were identified compared with inactive controls, including participant type for anxiety ( = 0.005), and region for depression symptoms ( = 0.000). Larger sample sizes ( = 0.0004;  = 0.028) related to stronger effects on depression symptoms. Publication year positively correlated with effects on stress ( = 0.1573;  = 0.032). This study supports the efficacy of digital psychological interventions in alleviating anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms for adults during the pandemic, offering insights for developing targeted mental health strategies in future public health crises.

Patients undergoing hemodialysis experience a broad spectrum of symptoms that impact their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Traditional qualitative studies often focus on isolated aspects of patient experiences and offer limited insights into the interconnected nature of symptom management. This systematic review and meta-ethnography aims to synthesise qualitative studies and develop a comprehensive model that elucidates interrelations between patient experiences and symptom management practices in hemodialysis. Our analysis integrated findings from 30 qualitative studies using a meta-ethnographic approach. The results revealed critical psychological and social dynamics influencing symptom management. The model highlights how supportive factors, such as family involvement and effective healthcare interactions, enhance coping mechanisms, improving emotional resilience and treatment adherence. Conversely, it identifies significant barriers, including chronic self-regulatory burnout and systemic inefficiencies, that hinder symptom management and exacerbate psychological distress. By integrating diverse qualitative findings, this study proposes a shift towards patient-centred, culturally sensitive care strategies that prioritise psychological support. This shift aims to transform hemodialysis care by addressing the complex interplay of medical, psychological, and social factors. The developed framework not only facilitates deeper understanding of the psychological impacts of symptom management and offers a structured approach for future research and interventions in this domain[Q1].

Physical activity is essential in preventing and treating age-related chronic diseases and mortality. Retirement is a key period to promote health behaviours, as individuals restructure their routines. Thus, we aimed to identify effective components and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in interventions promoting physical activity in retirement-age individuals. We conducted a meta-analysis. Included studies were randomised controlled trials that (p)targeted retirement-age adults (50-70 years), (i)applied BCTs, (c)had any comparator, and (o)promoted physical activity. Screening, full-text review, and data extraction were conducted independently by at least two reviewers. A multilevel random effects model with three effect sizes was fitted, and meta-regressions tested several moderators. 67 studies (N = 12,147) were included. High risk of bias related to larger effects, so these studies were excluded from the main analyses. While individual effects were often non-significant, the overall pooled effect was small but statistically significant. Predictors varied across effect sizes and included action planning, motivational interviewing, and prompts/cues. Email and website delivery were associated with smaller effect sizes. The effectiveness of lifestyle interventions is heterogeneous and presented small effects; implementing action planning, motivational interviewing, and prompts could improve the effectiveness. However, many BCTs that are not frequently used remain unexplored.

It has been postulated, but not empirically validated, that breast implants may cause a range of systemic symptoms, recently aggregated into a syndrome termed Breast Implant Illness (BII). Research literature has focused on exploring these symptoms and possible aetiologies, however, it has not been formally recognised as a medical condition. The psychosocial experience of women who self-report BII is not well understood. This review aimed to synthesise findings from qualitative literature relating to BII. A systematic review and evidence synthesis of qualitative research was conducted and analysed using thematic synthesis. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINHAL, Scopus, PsycINFO and secondary sources. Findings from nine studies were included, representing the experiences of women who had breast implants for reconstructive and cosmetic reasons. Four themes were identified: the decline in women's psychosocial wellbeing, the search for answers to their ill health, a lack of solicitude from healthcare professionals and industry, and surgery viewed as both the problem and solution. Women reported an array of distressing challenges that affected their overall quality of life. Findings highlight the need for psychosocial support and enhancing the integration of patient-entered perspectives. Further research is warranted to understand how these women can be better supported.

Physical activity identity, or viewing oneself as a physically active person, reliably predicts physical activity. Yet, little is known about how physical activity identity can be developed or strengthened. In this critical narrative review, we conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify models of physical activity identity, health psychology, behaviour change, identity or self-related constructs in search of explanations, constructs, or insights important for physical activity identity building and strengthening. Identified models included: the physical activity self-definition model, maintain IT, M-PAC, PRIME, possible selves, and self-determination theory. Using content analysis, we identified themes around candidate antecedents of physical activity identity. Nine common physical activity identity inputs were identified that we categorised as behavioural (physical activity; self-regulation; investment), cognitive (perceived ability; imaginal experiences, rules/standards; alignment with goals or values) or social (attachment ties; social appraisals). For each candidate input, we identify which models include the input, consider relevant research, discuss how and why the input may be related to physical activity identity, and offer practical strategies for building or strengthening physical activity identity. We offer a list of theory-informed physical activity identity inputs, a working figure which represents these identity inputs, and suggestions about how they may relate to physical activity identity (directly; indirectly). We aim to support future researchers in advancing the physical activity identity literature, and help practitioners support physical activity behaviour change.

Identifying correlates of engagement with digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) can guide strategies to encourage therapy skill practice in targeted subgroups, supporting precision mental health. This three-level robust variance estimation meta-analysis examined correlates of DMHI engagement across 117 studies (1698 effect sizes; 279,791 participants), classifying engagement as initial uptake, study-specific usage, and intervention completion. Women engaged more than men in both unadjusted (Cohen's = 0.34, 95% CI [0.06, 0.62]) and adjusted models ( = 0.05 [0.01, 0.09]). Other positive correlates were past mental health problems, guided versus self-guided modality delivery, therapeutic relationship, and positive expectancy. Meta-regressions indicated that completion was associated with older age, higher education, employment, and lower stress. Uptake was related to higher socioeconomic status, greater motivation, and lower symptom severity; usage was linked to human guidance and common mental disorders versus other conditions. Longer treatment duration amplified the effects of therapeutic relationship and guidance on engagement. Nearly half (48.7%) of studies had low risk of bias; minimal publication bias did not alter findings. Persuasive design strategies could enhance male engagement. Practitioners and policymakers should prioritize coaching that fosters productive relationships, pre-intervention materials to set realistic expectations, and methods to reduce the high risk of bias in future DMHI research.

To gain more insight into promising strategies to achieve sustained optimal lifestyle and body composition changes among breast cancer survivors, which may improve health-related outcomes, this systematic review aimed to synthesise scientific evidence on maintenance of intervention effects on lifestyle and body composition in breast cancer survivors and to identify, describe and synthesise methods and strategies associated with effectiveness. Four databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE) were systematically searched for papers from 2010 onwards. Randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions among breast cancer survivors reporting outcomes (physical (in)activity, diet, body composition, sleep, alcohol consumption and/or smoking) at baseline, end of intervention and follow-up were included. Behaviour change techniques were coded using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy. Risk of bias and reporting completeness were evaluated using the RoB2 and the CONSORT checklist. Thirty papers were included. Few studies found intervention effects at end of intervention and at follow-up: 3 out of 17 assessing physical (in)activity, 3/6 assessing dietary outcomes, 1/8 assessing body composition and 1/8 assessing sleep. The low number of effective interventions hampered the synthesis of methods and strategies associated with effectiveness. This detailed overview of current scientific evidence provides guidance for future research.

Early cancer detection and innovative treatments have prolonged the lifespan of cancer patients, leading to long-term consequences, including cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). In 2011, the International Cancer and Cognition Task Force (ICCTF) established guidelines for neuropsychological assessment, however many neuropsychological tests lack validity for oncological patients. This systematic review aims to identify and summarise the most commonly used neuropsychological tests for cognitive screening and assessment in non-CNS cancer patients within research contexts. A search of electronic databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, and SCOPUS) included 1) research articles using 2) neuropsychological tests 3) on non-CNS cancer patients, 4) aged between 18 and 80 years old, 5) published in the English 6) from January 2011 to October 2023. Quality assessment was assessed following the MMAT Guidelines. Eligibility criteria were met by 178 studies which adopted 151 different neuropsychological tests. The most widely used screening test was the Mini-Mental State Examination (N=41). Among the main cognitive domains analyzed, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (N=61) was the most commonly used to assess memory. The Controlled Oral Word Association Test (N=24) was primarily utilised for language assessment and the Trail Making Test-part A (TMT-A) (N=37) was the most frequently used to assess the attention domain. Moreover, executive functions were predominantly evaluated using the TMT-B (N=45). Among the included studies, only 42 adhered to the ICCTF guidelines. Despite the available guidelines, the wide variability of the utilised tests undermines the generalisability of results. These findings underscore the necessity of developing and implementing assessment and screening tools that are specifically tailored to cancer patients.

Fidelity is an important but under-addressed aspect of health behaviour change intervention research. Consensus is lacking regarding terminology, definitions, and conceptualisations. Fidelity frameworks and models can help people address fidelity in a structured way and ensure clarity and consistency of terminology, but they are underutilised to date. We aimed to identify and describe existing fidelity frameworks/models and compare these in terms of fidelity constructs included. We conducted a scoping review using a pre-specified search, dual independent screening, and data extraction. We analysed data using basic descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. We identified 20 fidelity frameworks/models. All frameworks/models included constructs relating to intervention delivery. All frameworks/models also included additional constructs; however, there was a lack of consensus across these, and whether they are components or moderators of fidelity. For health behaviour change researchers wishing to address fidelity, selecting a comprehensive framework/model that facilitates consideration of multiple constructs and that aligns with their intended purpose and context may be beneficial. Fidelity is a multi-faceted concept of which delivery is an important, but not the only, construct. Findings will help researchers consider fidelity in greater depth, apply and refine existing frameworks/models, and improve how fidelity is addressed in future behavioural interventions.

Research suggests a link between people's engagement with the police and their mental health, but little is known about how police activities affect the mental health of those they interact with. This paper develops a new theoretical model, the justice-identification model (JIM), to explain the social psychological dynamics underlying this relationship. The JIM integrates two unconnected frameworks - the social identity approach to health (SIAH) and procedural justice theory (PJT). It proposes that police contact negatively impacts mental health when it is associated with procedural injustice and exclusion but enhances health when it signals procedural justice and inclusion. Situating police-citizen interactions within an environment of inequality, we highlight how procedural fairness shapes the exercise of power by police officers. Social identity and experiences of procedural justice are framed as either stressors or sources of positive psychological connection. This analysis is instantiated in seven hypotheses that are broadly supported by existing empirical evidence. The JIM identifies three pathways linking exposure to policing and mental health through procedural justice and social identification. The paper explores the practical and theoretical implications of this model for mitigating negative mental health effects of police interactions and discusses strategies and priorities for both theory and practice.

Global obesity prevalence among pregnant women is associated with adverse health outcomes for both the mother and the infant.

Given the importance of patients' ability to effectively self-manage their kidney disease, researchers have developed interventions focused on improving self-management for patients on dialysis. The review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions and identify the characteristics of more effective interventions in this domain. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials to promote self-management in patients on dialysis (N = 4201, k = 45) evaluated: the effect of the interventions on psychological, behavioural, and physiological outcomes; the relationships between changes in outcomes; the moderation of outcomes by behaviour change techniques employed in the interventions; and intervention duration. The meta-analysis obtained moderate effect sizes, demonstrating improvement in behavioural ( = 0.50 to 0.65) and physiological health outcomes ( = -0.32 to -0.57). Fewer studies assessed psychological intervention targets, but large effects were obtained for knowledge change and quality of life ( = 0.65 and 1.17, respectively). Improved knowledge was positively associated with improved medication adherence, which in turn was associated with one physiological outcome. Interventions incorporating psychotherapeutic techniques such as CBT or rational emotive therapy achieved superior physiological outcomes, particularly when used in isolation. The findings support the interpretation that intervention strategies to enhance emotional self-management are effective in optimising outcomes for patients on dialysis.

Recently there have been calls in health psychology to re-examine the assumption that goals must be specific to be most effective, and to understand when and why nonspecific goals may produce comparable effects to specific goals. In particular, open goals have received increasing attention from both research and applied perspectives. However, there has not yet been a clear and robust definition of open goals, without which there is a risk of inaccurate or inconsistent research and implementation. Therefore, our primary aim was to develop a conceptual definition of open goals by examining necessary (i.e., essential) and sufficient (i.e., unique) attributes. The resulting definition identifies that open goals are nonspecific and phrased in an exploratory way, with measurable parameters, producing graded outcomes. A secondary aim was to critically review the initial evidence on open goals and highlight key priorities for future research. Five databases were searched, identifying 16 studies reporting empirical data on open goals, which were assessed using the mixed methods appraisal tool. A critical appraisal is provided, and priorities for future research are highlighted. In turn, this definition and review may help guide research and practice in the use of open goals as a strategy to promote health behaviours.