3.4. Explain how to support individuals to review the effectiveness of strategies used during behaviour change

This guide will help you answer 3.4. Explain how to support individuals to review the effectiveness of strategies used during behaviour change.

Reviewing strategies used during behaviour change is a crucial part of the process. It helps individuals assess what is working, what isn’t, and how they can improve their efforts to achieve their goals. Behaviour change is not a one-size-fits-all process, and people may need to adjust their coping mechanisms and strategies over time. As a health and social care worker, you play an important role in supporting individuals through this reflection process.

This guide focuses on practical and supportive methods to help individuals review the strategies they have used during behaviour change, ensuring they remain on the path to success.

The Importance of Reviewing Strategies

Behaviour change involves trial and error. Not all strategies will be effective for every person or in every situation. Regular reviews allow individuals to:

• Identify successes and the factors that contributed to them.
• Recognise challenges or barriers that limited progress.
• Adjust strategies to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
• Learn from their experiences and develop resilience.

Without reflection, ineffective strategies might continue, potentially reducing motivation and slowing progress. Reviews provide clarity, focus, and direction for improvement.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment for Reflection

The process of reviewing strategies can be deeply personal. Some individuals may feel discouraged if they perceive their efforts as unsuccessful. Creating a safe and non-judgemental space for reflection is vital.

Ways to foster a supportive environment include:

• Active listening: Give the individual your full attention and show that their experiences and feelings matter.
• Encouragement: Reassure them that every attempt, whether successful or not, is a valuable learning experience. For example, say, “This is about finding what works for you. It’s okay if some things didn’t go as planned.”
• Empathy: Acknowledge their potential frustration or disappointment while gently guiding them toward solutions.

People are more likely to engage in a meaningful review if they feel understood and supported.

Setting Clear Review Goals

A review should have a clear purpose. Simply talking in general terms about what has or hasn’t worked may not provide meaningful insight. Help the individual set clear goals for reviewing. These might include:

• Determining whether specific strategies helped achieve set behaviour goals.
• Identifying changes in feelings, thoughts, or behaviours since starting those strategies.
• Recognising progress, no matter how small.
• Spotting any challenges or barriers they faced.

Clear goals provide structure to the review process, helping the individual to stay focused and positive.

Breaking It Down Step-by-Step

Divide the review into manageable steps to make it easier for the individual. A systematic approach clarifies what to look for and how to interpret findings.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Reflect on successes: Start with the positives to build motivation. Ask questions like, “What are you most proud of?” or “Which strategies helped you feel stronger or more in control?”
2. Review challenges: Encourage honest but constructive discussions of difficulties. For instance, “Were there any moments when you felt like giving up? What happened in those situations?”
3. Compare strategies: Help the individual evaluate why certain methods worked better than others. Ask, “What felt easy or natural for you, and what was harder to stick with?”
4. Identify barriers: Work together to uncover external or internal barriers, such as time constraints, emotional triggers, or lack of resources.
5. Analyse outcomes: Discuss whether the goals set at the start of behaviour change were met. Use measurable indicators where possible, such as keeping a record of completed actions or reductions in certain behaviours.

This step-by-step approach makes the review process more meaningful.

Using Tools and Resources for Reviews

It can be helpful to use tools to guide the individual through the review process. These tools make the process clearer and more objective.

Examples include:

• Journals or diaries: If the person has been keeping a record of their behaviour and strategies, reflect on the entries. Patterns can give insights into success or struggles.
• Behaviour charts or logs: Reviewing visual aids, such as graphs of progress, can provide clarity about patterns or trends.
• Feedback forms: Create simple questionnaires to help individuals assess their own behaviours and strategies. For example, include questions like, “Rate how helpful each strategy was on a scale of 1–5.”

These tools allow the person to see their progress visually and provide structured data for discussions.

Encouraging Honest Self-Reflection

Encourage individuals to explore their experiences honestly without framing anything as a “failure.” Focus on learning opportunities rather than assigning blame.

Questions to prompt self-reflection include:

• “Do you feel like this strategy helped you get closer to your goal? Why or why not?”
• “What emotions came up when using this strategy? Did it help you feel calm, motivated, in control, or something else?”
• “Was there a specific situation where this method didn’t seem to work? If so, what might help next time?”

This type of questioning invites open conversation and self-directed learning.

Involving Support Networks

Sometimes, an outside perspective—especially from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues—can help individuals review their strategies. Others may notice changes or patterns that the individual may not have seen.

Ways to involve support networks include:

• Feedback from others: Encourage the individual to ask those close to them, “Have you noticed any differences since I started using these strategies?”
• Collaborative problem-solving: Practise reviewing strategies as a small team if appropriate. This could involve family members or other professionals working with the individual.
• Encouraging open dialogue: Suggest that they share their reflections with a supportive person who can provide a fresh perspective or encouragement.

A support network can reinforce positive behaviours and provide helpful insights.

Adjusting Strategies as Needed

Once the review highlights areas of improvement, the next step is to adjust or replace strategies. Behaviour change is an ongoing process, and strategies will evolve.

Help the individual make adjustments by:

• Building on success: Expand or prioritise the strategies that worked well. For instance, if deep breathing exercises were effective, suggest using them more frequently or in additional situations.
• Tweaking strategies: Modify methods that showed partial success. For instance, if time management helped but felt overwhelming, suggest smaller steps, such as creating shorter to-do lists.
• Replacing ineffective strategies: If a strategy didn’t work, help the person explore alternatives. For example, if journaling felt like a chore, suggest voice notes as an easier option.

Highlighting flexibility fosters optimism and keeps the individual engaged.

Celebrating Achievements

Celebrating successes—no matter how small—is vital during this process. Focusing solely on what didn’t work can feel demoralising. Recognising progress strengthens motivation.

Ways to celebrate include:

• Verbal praise: Simply saying, “You’ve done an amazing job so far,” can boost confidence.
• Recording accomplishments: Help the person create a list or timeline of achievements to reflect on how far they’ve come.
• Reward systems: Encourage small rewards when milestones are achieved, whether it’s a treat or dedicating time for something they enjoy.

Celebration is crucial to maintaining momentum and encouraging further effort.

Encouraging Regular Reviews

Reviewing strategies should be an ongoing process, not a one-time activity. Regular reviews allow individuals to remain flexible, adapting to new challenges or changes in their circumstances.

Suggestions for maintaining regular reviews include:

• Scheduling periodic check-ins, such as weekly or monthly reflections.
• Using tools like calendars or reminders to encourage consistent review.
• Reinforcing the idea that each review brings them closer to lasting positive change.

This ensures the individual remains proactive and engaged in the behaviour change process.

Final Thoughts

By supporting individuals to review and reflect on the effectiveness of the strategies used, you empower them to take control of their progress. Through constructive feedback, actionable insights, and the opportunity to adjust methods, reviews can guide them to more effective tools and greater long-term success. A collaborative and positive approach ensures individuals feel supported, confident, and capable of continued growth.