Small changes, big impact: A mini review of habit formation and behavioral change principles

 Corresponding author: Maksudul Shadat Akash, Email: Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0. Small changes, big impact: A mini review of habit formation and behavioral change principles Maksudul Shadat Akash 1, 2, * and Shahanaz Chowdhury 3 1 Department of Public Health & Informatics, Faculty of Medical Studies, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2 Program and Research Department, VAALO avant-garde Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 3 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty Of Public Health, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 Publication history: Received on 10 March 2025; revised on 20 April 2025; accepted on 22 April 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.26.1.1333 Abstract Habits are fundamental to human behavior, shaping daily actions and long-term outcomes across diverse domains such as health, productivity, and personal development. This mini-review explores the science of habit formation, emphasizing the role of small, incremental changes in fostering sustainable behavioral change. Drawing from interdisciplinary research, it examines the mechanisms underlying habit loops, the neuroscience of automaticity, and frameworks like Clear’s Atomic Habits and Fogg’s Tiny Habits. Key factors such as environmental design, motivation, and strategies for breaking negative habits are analyzed to provide actionable insights. Real-world applications in health, productivity, and organizational success are discussed, alongside the challenges of patience, persistence, and context dependence. By integrating theoretical frameworks and empirical findings, this review highlights the transformative potential of habit-based interventions for achieving lasting behavioral change and improving quality of life. Keywords: Habit formation; Behavioral change; Incremental improvement; Habit loop; Automaticity; Sustainable habits 1. Introduction Habits are fundamental components of human behavior, serving as automatic responses to specific cues in our environment. They play a crucial role in daily life, influencing everything from personal health to academic success and financial stability. Habits are formed through repeated actions in consistent contexts, leading to automaticity where behaviors become less reliant on conscious decision-making [1]. This automaticity allows individuals to allocate cognitive resources to other tasks, thereby enhancing efficiency in daily routines [2]. The significance of habits extends beyond mere convenience; they are essential for achieving long-term goals and maintaining well-being. For instance, positive habits such as regular exercise and healthy eating have been linked to improved health outcomes and academic performance [3; 4]. The concept of making small, incremental changes is particularly promising in the realm of behavioral change. Research suggests that gradual modifications to existing habits can lead to more sustainable outcomes compared to drastic changes, which are often met with resistance [5]. This approach aligns with the notion that habits are context-dependent and can be reshaped through consistent practice and reinforcement [6]. For example, interventions that focus on small dietary adjustments rather than complete overhauls have shown greater success in maintaining healthy eating patterns World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 3099 over time [7]. Additionally, the psychological principle of "anchoring," where new behaviors are tied to established routines, has proven effective in habit formation, particularly in populations such as autistic adults [8]. Such strategies underscore the importance of context and repetition in embedding new behaviors into daily life. The objective of this mini-review is to synthesize key principles of habit formation and their real-world implications. By examining the mechanisms through which habits are formed and maintained, this review aims to highlight effective strategies for fostering positive behavioral changes. Understanding the interplay between habits and behavioral change can provide valuable insights for individuals seeking to improve their health, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Furthermore, this review has explored how these principles can be applied in various contexts, from educational settings to personal finance, thereby demonstrating the versatility and significance of habit formation in achieving longterm success. 2. Methodology This mini-review synthesizes findings from a range of peer-reviewed studies, meta-analyses, and theoretical frameworks related to habit formation and behavioral change. A systematic literature search was conducted using academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search terms included “habit formation,” “behavioral change,” “incremental improvements,” “habit loop,” “neuroscience of habits,” and “small changes.” Studies from the past two decades were prioritized to ensure the inclusion of the most recent and relevant research. Selection criteria emphasized empirical studies with robust methodologies, theoretical contributions offering frameworks for habit formation, and reviews providing comprehensive overviews of the field. Key themes were identified through a qualitative analysis of the literature, focusing on definitions of habits, mechanisms of habit formation, the role of small changes, behavioral frameworks, and the factors influencing habit sustainability and modification. Particular attention was paid to interdisciplinary perspectives, integrating insights from neuroscience, psychology, and applied behavioral science. The review further explored real-world applications and challenges by analyzing case studies and intervention-based research. Emphasis was placed on studies with practical relevance to personal health, productivity, and organizational success. Limitations and barriers to habit formation were extracted from longitudinal studies and those addressing variability in outcomes across contexts and populations. This methodology ensured a comprehensive yet targeted synthesis of current knowledge, providing actionable insights and a balanced perspective on the principles and applications of habit formation. 3. The Science of Habit Formation 3.1. Definition and Components of a Habit Habits are defined as automatic behaviors that are triggered by specific cues in the environment, followed by a routine that culminates in a reward. This cycle is often referred to as the "habit loop," which consists of three key components: the cue (or trigger), the routine (the behavior itself), and the reward (the benefit gained from the behavior) [1; 9]. The cue initiates the behavior, the routine is the action taken, and the reward reinforces the behavior, making it more likely to be repeated in the future. This cyclical process is essential for understanding how habits are formed and maintained over time [10; 11]. Research indicates that the strength of a habit is closely linked to the automaticity of the behavior, which is the degree to which the behavior can be performed without conscious thought [9; 12]. Automaticity develops through repeated performance of the behavior in consistent contexts, leading to a strong association between the cue and the routine [13]. This understanding of habits emphasizes the importance of context in habit formation, as stable environments can facilitate the transition from goal-directed behavior to automatic responses [13]. 3.2. Neuroscientific Basis The formation of habits is deeply rooted in neuroscience, particularly involving the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei in the brain associated with motor control and learning. The basal ganglia play a crucial role in the development of habitual behaviors, as they are involved in the automation of actions through reinforcement learning [14; 15]. As habits are formed, the reliance on the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for conscious decision-making, diminishes, and the basal ganglia take over the control of these behaviors, allowing them to be executed with minimal cognitive effort [14; World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 3100 15]. This shift from conscious to automatic processing is a hallmark of habit formation and is critical in understanding why habits can be difficult to change once established [16]. Moreover, the process of habit learning is characterized by its incremental nature, where behaviors become more automatic over time through repeated practice. This gradual transition is often accompanied by a decrease in the sensitivity of the behavior to changes in reinforcement, meaning that once a habit is formed, it can persist even in the absence of rewards [15]. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in contexts such as addiction, where harmful habits can become deeply ingrained and resistant to change [14; 15]. 3.3. Habit Loops and Automation As habits are practiced repeatedly, they become increasingly automatic, allowing individuals to perform them with little to no conscious thought. This automation is a critical aspect of habit formation, as it frees cognitive resources for other tasks and can lead to more efficient behavior [9; 10]. The transition from deliberate action to automatic behavior is facilitated by the consistent pairing of cues and routines, which strengthens the neural pathways associated with the habit [9; 12; 13]. Research has shown that the use of specific cues can enhance the speed at which habits become automatic. For instance, studies indicate that participants who utilized trigger events to initiate behaviors reported higher levels of automaticity compared to those who relied solely on reminders [12]. This finding underscores the importance of context and environmental cues in the habit formation process, suggesting that strategically designed cues can significantly enhance the likelihood of establishing new habits [10; 13]. In conclusion, understanding the science of habit formation involves recognizing the interplay between the components of habits, the underlying neural mechanisms, and the processes that lead to automation. By leveraging this knowledge, individuals can better navigate the complexities of behavior change and habit development. 4. The Role of Small Changes in Habit Formation The role of small changes in habit formation is pivotal, particularly through the lens of the power of marginal gains and the importance of starting small. These concepts are rooted in behavioral science and have significant implications for effective habit formation and behavioral change. 4.1. The Power of Marginal Gains The concept of marginal gains, which emphasizes the impact of making small, incremental improvements, is foundational in understanding habit formation. This principle posits that a mere 1% improvement in various aspects of life can lead to substantial cumulative benefits over time. For instance, Fritz et al. highlight that interventions aimed at modifying habits can lead to significant changes in behavioral automaticity, suggesting that small adjustments in daily routines can foster the development of healthier habits [17]. This aligns with the findings of White et al., who demonstrate that small, manageable changes in behavior can be effectively integrated into existing routines, thereby enhancing overall health outcomes [18]. Moreover, the compounding effects of these marginal gains are crucial. Fleig et al. discuss how structured interventions that include action planning can lead to repeated engagement in desired behaviors, which is essential for strengthening habits over time [19]. This reinforces the idea that small, consistent changes can accumulate, leading to significant behavioral transformations. 4.2. The Importance of Starting Small Starting small is another critical aspect of habit formation. By breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps, individuals can overcome the psychological resistance often associated with initiating new behaviors. This approach is supported by various studies that emphasize the feasibility and sustainability of small changes. For example, Gardner notes that understanding and influencing health-related behaviors can be enhanced by focusing on small, actionable steps rather than overwhelming individuals with large-scale changes [11]. Additionally, the work of Fritz et al. indicates that interventions designed to promote automaticity in behavior can be more effective when they start with small, achievable goals [20]. This is particularly relevant in the context of health interventions, where participants may feel daunted by the prospect of significant lifestyle changes. By focusing on small, World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 3101 incremental changes, individuals are more likely to experience success, which can motivate further behavior modification. Furthermore, the application of small changes is evident in workplace interventions aimed at promoting physical activity. For instance, Fournier et al. found that simple text messaging cues could effectively encourage the formation of physical activity habits among employees, demonstrating that small reminders can lead to significant behavioral shifts over time [21]. In summary, the role of small changes in habit formation is underscored by the principles of marginal gains and the importance of starting small. These concepts not only facilitate the initiation of new habits but also ensure their sustainability through gradual, manageable adjustments. The cumulative effect of these small changes can lead to profound transformations in behavior and overall health. 5. Behavioral Change Frameworks The formation of habits is a critical aspect of behavioral change, and various frameworks have been developed to understand and facilitate this process. Among these, James Clear's Atomic Habits framework is particularly influential. Clear outlines four fundamental laws of behavior change: Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward. These laws provide a structured approach to habit formation, emphasizing the importance of environmental cues in triggering behaviors, the role of cravings in motivating actions, the necessity of a response to fulfill those cravings, and the significance of rewards in reinforcing the behavior [17; 2]. This framework aligns with findings that suggest habitual behaviors are often triggered automatically, with little conscious thought, which is essential for sustainable change [22; 23]. In addition to Clear's framework, other evidence-based approaches such as BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits and the Kaizen method also contribute to our understanding of habit formation. Fogg's Tiny Habits model emphasizes starting with small, easily achievable behaviors that can be gradually scaled up, thereby reducing the resistance to change [17; 22]. The Kaizen method, rooted in continuous improvement, advocates for incremental changes that lead to significant long-term benefits, reinforcing the idea that small adjustments can lead to substantial behavioral shifts [17; 24]. Both approaches highlight the importance of making changes manageable and integrating them into daily routines, which is supported by research indicating that successful habit formation often, involves selecting behaviors that hold personal value and are intrinsically rewarding [25]. Another critical aspect of habit formation is the concept of identity-based habits, which posits that aligning habits with one's personal identity can lead to more sustained behavioral change. When individuals see themselves as the type of person who engages in a particular behavior, they are more likely to maintain that behavior over time [17; 23]. This perspective is supported by studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of identity-based interventions in promoting health behavior changes, as individuals are motivated to act in ways that are consistent with their self-image [22]. By fostering a strong connection between habits and personal identity, individuals can create a more robust framework for sustaining change, as habits become integral to their sense of self. In summary, the integration of frameworks such as Clear's Atomic Habits, Fogg's Tiny Habits, and the Kaizen method, along with the emphasis on identity-based habits, provides a comprehensive understanding of habit formation and behavioral change. These approaches collectively underscore the importance of cues, intrinsic motivation, and personal identity in fostering sustainable behavioral change, supported by a wealth of empirical evidence [17; 22; 23]. 6. Factors Influencing Habit Formation Habit formation is a complex process influenced by various factors, including environmental design, motivation and discipline, and the strategies employed to break bad habits. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in determining how habits are formed, maintained, or changed. 6.1. Environmental Design The environment significantly influences habit formation through cues and contextual factors that trigger specific behaviors. Environmental design involves structuring one's surroundings to facilitate desired habits while minimizing triggers for unwanted behaviors. Wood and Rünger emphasize that cues in the environment can activate habitual responses, suggesting that the physical context can enhance the likelihood of engaging in specific behaviors [2]. Furthermore, Lesage and Verguts discuss how contextual overtraining can accelerate habit formation, indicating that repeated exposure to specific stimuli in a consistent context can strengthen the association between cues and responses World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 3102 [26]. This highlights the importance of creating an environment that supports positive habit formation by embedding cues that prompt desired behaviors. 6.2. Motivation and Discipline Motivation and discipline are critical components of habit formation, with systems-oriented approaches often proving more effective than goal-oriented strategies. Gardner et al. argue that while goals can guide behavior, the development of habits is more reliant on consistent practice and the establishment of routines [11]. This aligns with the findings of Weiden et al., who suggest that specifying contexts for goal pursuit and monitoring behaviors can enhance self-control and facilitate habit formation [27]. The DopAct framework proposed by Bogacz further illustrates that habits can emerge from the mimicry of goal-directed actions, emphasizing the interplay between motivation and habitual behavior [28]. Thus, fostering a disciplined approach that prioritizes consistent actions over fluctuating goals can lead to more effective habit formation. 6.3. Breaking Bad Habits Breaking bad habits often requires replacing unproductive behaviors with constructive alternatives. Nehlin et al. highlight the necessity of not only extinguishing harmful habits but also cultivating new, beneficial ones to promote personal growth [29]. Implementation intentions, as discussed by Adriaanse et al., can be effective in countering existing habits by creating strong intentions to engage in alternative behaviors [30]. This approach underscores the importance of planning and commitment in the process of habit change. Additionally, the research by Gillan et al. indicates that model-based learning can protect against the formation of maladaptive habits, suggesting that understanding the consequences of actions can facilitate the transition away from undesirable behaviors [31]. Therefore, a strategic approach that combines intention setting and awareness of outcomes can significantly aid in breaking bad habits. In conclusion, habit formation is influenced by a multifaceted interplay of environmental cues, motivational frameworks, and strategies for behavior change. By understanding these factors, individuals can better navigate the complexities of habit formation and modification, leading to more effective personal development and behavioral change. 7. Real-World Applications of Habit Formation and Behavioral Change Principles 7.1. Personal Productivity and Health The principles of habit formation play a crucial role in enhancing personal productivity and health, particularly in areas such as fitness, diet, and general productivity. For instance, research indicates that the integration of technology, such as fitness wearables, can significantly aid in developing healthy habits. These devices provide personalized feedback and community support, which are essential for fostering a routine that promotes long-term behavioral change [32]. Moreover, interventions that encourage individuals to adapt health tips into their existing routines align with habit formation theories, emphasizing the importance of context and repetition for automatic behavior [33]. In the realm of dietary habits, studies have shown that positive sensory experiences associated with food consumption can lead to habit formation, highlighting the role of intrinsic motivation in sustaining healthy eating behaviors [34]. This intrinsic motivation is further supported by findings that suggest the need for a consistent context in which behaviors are repeated, thereby solidifying them into habits over time [35]. For example, the adoption of mindful eating practices through smartphone applications has demonstrated potential in altering eating behaviors, although achieving lasting change may require extended periods of consistent practice [36]. 7.2. Professional and Organizational Success In professional settings, small changes in organizational practices can lead to significant improvements in team efficiency and overall workplace productivity. Research has shown that organizational routines, which are built upon the habitual behaviors of individual team members, can enhance task accomplishment and operational effectiveness [37]. By fostering an environment that encourages the formation of positive habits, organizations can create a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. Additionally, interventions aimed at promoting physical activity within the workplace, such as text messaging cues, have been found to facilitate the development of exercise habits among employees [21]. These small nudges can lead to substantial increases in physical activity levels, which in turn can enhance employee well-being and productivity. Furthermore, the role of organizational culture and commitment has been highlighted as critical factors influencing World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 3103 employee behavior and engagement, suggesting that a supportive environment can significantly impact the success of habit formation initiatives [38]. In summary, both personal and professional domains benefit from the application of habit formation principles. By leveraging technology, fostering supportive environments, and encouraging intrinsic motivation, individuals and organizations can achieve substantial improvements in health and productivity. 8. Challenges and Limitations 8.1. Patience and Persistence The process of habit formation is inherently slow and requires considerable patience and persistence from individuals. Research indicates that the development of new habits often involves a gradual adjustment period where individuals must repeatedly engage in the desired behavior before it becomes automatic [39]. This slow nature can lead to frustration and diminished motivation, particularly when immediate results are not evident. For instance, studies have shown that individuals frequently struggle to maintain motivation during the initial stages of behavior change, which can be exacerbated by the lack of immediate reinforcement [40]. Furthermore, the psychological construct of automaticity plays a crucial role in habit formation; as behaviors become more automatic, the need for conscious effort decreases, yet achieving this state requires sustained effort over time [40]. Thus, the challenge of maintaining motivation throughout the often protracted process of habit formation is a significant barrier to successful behavioral change. 8.2. Context Dependence Another critical limitation in habit formation and behavioral change is the context dependence of these processes. The effectiveness of habit-forming strategies can vary significantly across individuals and situations, influenced by a myriad of contextual factors such as social environment, personal beliefs, and situational cues [41]. For example, while some individuals may thrive in structured environments that support habit formation, others may find such contexts stifling or counterproductive [42]. Additionally, the presence of implicit attitudes and external influences can significantly impact an individual's ability to limit unhealthy behaviors, such as excessive sugar consumption, highlighting the complexity of behavior change [40]. This variability underscores the necessity for personalized approaches to behavior change, as a one-size-fits-all strategy is often insufficient to accommodate the diverse needs and circumstances of individuals [43]. Moreover, the integration of behavioral theories into practical applications, such as mobile health apps, has shown mixed results, indicating that merely applying theoretical frameworks does not guarantee success in realworld settings [39]. Thus, understanding the context-specific factors that influence habit formation is essential for developing effective interventions. In summary, the challenges of patience and persistence, alongside the context-dependent nature of habit formation, present significant barriers to successful behavioral change. Addressing these limitations requires a nuanced understanding of the psychological and environmental factors that influence individual behaviors, as well as the development of tailored strategies that can accommodate the unique circumstances of each individual 9. Conclusion The principles of habit formation and behavioral change, as outlined in this review, highlight the profound influence that small, incremental adjustments can have on creating lasting positive behaviors. By leveraging frameworks such as the habit loop, Clear’s Atomic Habits, and Fogg’s Tiny Habits, individuals and organizations can design strategies that capitalize on environmental cues, intrinsic motivation, and identity alignment to foster behavioral sustainability. Key factors such as the strategic use of environmental design, consistent practice, and replacing negative habits with constructive alternatives underscore the complexity of habit development. Real-world applications demonstrate the versatility of these principles, enhancing personal health, productivity, and professional success, while technological tools like fitness trackers and mobile apps serve as valuable enablers. However, challenges such as the time-intensive nature of habit formation and its context-dependent variability must be addressed through tailored, patient-focused approaches. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving habit formation can empower individuals and organizations to achieve transformative, enduring change. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 3104 Compliance with ethical standards Acknowledgments The authors would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the professionals of VAALO avant-garde Limited for their invaluable support and guidance throughout this study. Their expertise and contributions were instrumental in the successful completion of this research. Funding This research project was funded by S.M. Anwar Shadat, Senior Teacher of Bindu Basini Government Girls' High School, Tangail. The authors sincerely acknowledge his support in making this study possible. Disclosure of conflict of interest The authors declare that they do not have any conflict of interest. References [1] Mazar A, Wood W. Defining habit in Psychology. In: Springer eBooks [Internet]. 2018. p. 13–29. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97529-0_2 [2] Wood W, Rünger D. Psychology of habit. Annual Review of Psychology [Internet]. 2015 Sep 11;67(1):289–314. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-122414-033417 [3] Petrusheva AssocProfKM PhD, Popeska B PhD. Classroom Management Practices: methods and approaches applied for the purpose of student’s personal development. International Journal of Social Science and Human Research [Internet]. 2023 Dec 27;6(12). Available from: https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v6-i12-81 [4] Gayef A, Kaya E, Telatar B. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NUTRITION HABITS, BODY MASS INDEXES AND ACADEMIC SUCCESSES OF THE HEALTH SCHOOL STUDENTS. Konuralp Tıp Dergisi [Internet]. 2021 Jan 29;13(1):60–7. Available from: https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.727487 [5] Gardner B, Rebar AL, De Wit S, Lally P. What is habit and how can it be used to change real‐world behaviour? Narrowing the theory‐reality gap. Social and Personality Psychology Compass [Internet]. 2024 May 31;18(6). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12975 [6] Hagger MS. Habit and physical activity: Theoretical advances, practical implications, and agenda for future research. Psychology of Sport and Exercise [Internet]. 2018 Dec 17;42:118–29. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.12.007 [7] Wen J, Zhu W, Han X, Wang X. Impacts of habit formation effect on food consumption and nutrient intake in rural China. Nutrients [Internet]. 2024 Feb 10;16(4):505. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040505 [8] Stecher C, Pagni BA, Cloonan S, Vink S, Hill E, Ogbeama D, et al. App-based meditation habits maintain reductions in depression symptoms among autistic adults. Autism [Internet]. 2023 Oct 14;28(6):1487–502. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231200679 [9] Gardner B, Abraham C, Lally P, De Bruijn GJ. ‘The habitual use of the Self-report Habit Index’: a reply. Annals of Behavioral Medicine [Internet]. 2011 Oct 14; 43(1):141–2. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160011-9317-6 [10] Stojanovic M, Fries S, Grund A. Self-Efficacy in Habit building: How general and Habit-Specific Self-Efficacy influence behavioral automatization and motivational interference. Frontiers in Psychology [Internet]. 2021 May 7;12. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643753 [11] Gardner B. A review and analysis of the use of ‘habit’ in understanding, predicting and influencing health-related behaviour. Health Psychology Review [Internet]. 2013 Dec 19; 9(3):277–95. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2013.876238 [12] Stawarz K, Cox AL, Blandford A. Beyond self-tracking and reminders. In: Proceedings of the 33rd Annual ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '15); 2015 Apr 18–23; Seoul, Republic of Korea. New York: ACM; 2015. p. 2653–62. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1145/2702123.2702230 World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 3105 [13] Zhang L, Liu H. How do the contexts impact the habit formation of information system users? In: 2013 International Conference on Applied Social Science Research (ICASSR-2013); 2013. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2991/icassr.2013.61 [14] Ashby FG, Turner BO, Horvitz JC. Cortical and basal ganglia contributions to habit learning and automaticity. Trends in Cognitive Sciences [Internet]. 2010 Mar 8;14(5):208–15. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2010.02.001 [15] Seger CA, Spiering BJ. A critical review of habit learning and the basal ganglia. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience [Internet]. 2011 Jan 1;5. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2011.00066 [16] Nilsen P, Roback K, Broström A, Ellström PE. Creatures of habit: accounting for the role of habit in implementation research on clinical behaviour change. Implementation Science [Internet]. 2012 Jun 9;7(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-7-53 [17] Fritz H, Hu YL, Gahman K, Almacen C, Ottolini J. Intervention to Modify Habits: A Scoping Review. OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research [Internet]. 2019 Oct 23;40(2):99–112. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/1539449219876877 [18] White I, Smith L, Aggio D, Shankar S, Begum S, Matei R, et al. On Your Feet to Earn Your Seat: pilot RCT of a theorybased sedentary behaviour reduction intervention for older adults. Pilot and Feasibility Studies [Internet]. 2017 May 2;3(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-017-0139-6 [19] Fleig L, Pomp S, Schwarzer R, Lippke S. Promoting exercise maintenance: How interventions with booster sessions improve long-term rehabilitation outcomes. Rehabilitation Psychology [Internet]. 2013 Jan 1;58(4):323–33. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0033885 [20] Fritz H, Tarraf W, Brody A, Levy P. Feasibility of a behavioral automaticity intervention among African Americans at risk for metabolic syndrome. BMC Public Health [Internet]. 2019 Apr 16;19(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-6675-7 [21] Fournier M, D’Arripe‐Longueville F, Radel R. Testing the effect of text messaging cues to promote physical activity habits: a worksite‐based exploratory intervention. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports [Internet]. 2016 Aug 19; 27(10):1157–65. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12730 [22] Gardner B, Arden MA, Brown D, Eves FF, Green J, Hamilton K, et al. Developing habit-based health behaviour change interventions: twenty-one questions to guide future research. Psychology and Health [Internet]. 2021 Nov 14;38(4):518–40. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.2003362 [23] Harvey AG, Callaway CA, Zieve GG, Gumport NB, Armstrong CC. Applying the Science of Habit Formation to Evidence-Based Psychological Treatments for Mental Illness. Perspectives on Psychological Science [Internet]. 2021 Sep 8;17(2):572–89. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691621995752 [24] Wood W, Neal DT. Healthy through Habit: Interventions for Initiating & Maintaining Health Behavior Change. Behavioral Science & Policy [Internet]. 2016 Apr 1;2(1):71–83. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/237946151600200109 [25] Keller J, Kwasnicka D, Klaiber P, Sichert L, Lally P, Fleig L. Habit formation following routine‐based versus time‐ based cue planning: A randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Health Psychology [Internet]. 2021 Jan 6;26(3):807–24. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12504 [26] Lesage E, Verguts T. Contextual overtraining accelerates habit formation in new stimuli. PsyArXiv Preprints [Preprint]. 2021. doi:10.31234/osf.io/7m6bh [27] Van Der Weiden A, Benjamins J, Gillebaart M, Ybema JF, De Ridder D. How to Form Good Habits? A longitudinal field study on the role of Self-Control in Habit formation. Frontiers in Psychology [Internet]. 2020 Mar 27;11. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00560 [28] Bogacz R. Dopamine role in learning and action inference. eLife [Internet]. 2020 Jul 7;9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.53262 [29] Nehlin C, Willebrand M, Brander CW, Öster C. Overcoming Heroin Addiction without the Use of Pharmaceuticals: A Qualitative Interview Study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs [Internet]. 2020 Apr 20;52(3):211–7. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2020.1755478 World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(01), 3098-3106 3106 [30] Adriaanse MA, Gollwitzer PM, De Ridder DTD, De Wit JBF, Kroese FM. Breaking habits with implementation intentions: a test of underlying processes. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin [Internet]. 2011 Feb 11;37(4):502–13. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167211399102 [31] Gillan CM, Otto AR, Phelps EA, Daw ND. Model-based learning protects against forming habits. Cognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience [Internet]. 2015 Mar 23;15(3):523–36. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3758/s13415-015-0347-6 [32] Huang EY, Chung D, Hollandsworth HM, Goldhaber NH, Robles L, Horgan M, et al. Bite by byte: can fitness wearables help bariatric patients lose more weight after surgery? Surgical Endoscopy [Internet]. 2023 Jun 7;37(8):6526–31. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-023-10157-z [33] Hunot-Alexander C, Croker H, Fildes A, Johnson F, Beeken RJ. Brief ‘Appetitive Trait Tailored Intervention’: Development in a Sample of Adults with Overweight and Obesity. Behaviour Change [Internet]. 2021 Nov 3;39(2):106–22. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1017/bec.2021.22 [34] Judah G, Gardner B, Kenward MG, DeStavola B, Aunger R. Exploratory study of the impact of perceived reward on habit formation. BMC Psychology [Internet]. 2018 Dec 1;6(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359018-0270-z [35] Judah G, Gardner B, Aunger R. Forming a flossing habit: An exploratory study of the psychological determinants of habit formation. British Journal of Health Psychology [Internet]. 2012 Sep 18;18(2):338–53. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02086.x [36] Robinson E, Higgs S, Daley AJ, Jolly K, Lycett D, Lewis A, et al. Development and feasibility testing of a smart phone based attentive eating intervention. BMC Public Health [Internet]. 2013 Jul 9;13(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-639 [37] Gao D, Deng X, Bai B. The emergence of organizational routines from habitual behaviours of multiple actors: an agent-based simulation study. Journal of Simulation [Internet]. 2014 Feb 14;8(3):215–30. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1057/jos.2014.1 [38] Azmy A. Implications of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and organizational culture on organizational citizenship behavior in electrical professional organizations in Indonesia. International Journal of Applied Business Research [Internet]. 2021 Jul 2;63–80. Available from: https://doi.org/10.35313/ijabr.v3i2.152 [39] DiFilippo KN, Huang WH, Andrade JE, Chapman-Novakofski KM. The use of mobile apps to improve nutrition outcomes: A systematic literature review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare [Internet]. 2015 Feb 12;21(5):243–53. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633x15572203 [40] Phipps DJ, Hagger MS, Hamilton K. Predicting limiting ‘free sugar’ consumption using an integrated model of health behavior. Appetite [Internet]. 2020 Mar 14;150:104668. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.104668 [41] Elf P, Gatersleben B, Christie I. Facilitating positive spillover effects: New insights from a Mixed-Methods approach exploring factors enabling people to live more sustainable lifestyles. Frontiers in Psychology [Internet]. 2019 Jan 31;9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02699 [42] Guèvremont A. Improving consumers’ eating habits: what if a brand could make a difference? Journal of Consumer Marketing [Internet]. 2019 Oct 3;36(7):885–900. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/jcm-042018-2632 [43] Frykman M, Hasson H, Athlin ÅM, Von Thiele Schwarz U. Functions of behavior change interventions when implementing multi-professional teamwork at an emergency department: a comparative case study. BMC Health Services Research [Internet]. 2014 May 15;14(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-14-218.