Compendium of dyadic behavior change techniques v2.0: results from a Delphi study

Abstract

Background Dyadic interventions involving a close other (eg, romantic partner) have gained increased awareness and shown initial promise, but a shared language and systematic approach to describing their intervention content (ie, dyadic behavior change techniques [DBCTs]) is lacking. Purpose This study aimed to further develop a comprehensive and expert-validated Compendium of DBCTs focused on health behavior change in romantic couples to support intervention development and facilitate intervention reporting. Methods A 2-round Delphi process with international experts (1: N=20; 2: N=19) was conducted. Experts rated the clarity and comprehensibility of DBCTs, as well as their expected link with the most proximal mechanisms of action. Additionally, 14 experts convened for an online discussion via video conferencing to address key issues and emerging questions. Results The resulting Compendium of DBCTs v2.0 includes 219 DBCTs that specify who (ie, execution) does what (ie, intervention task) for whom (ie, target). DBCTs are linked to 32 hypothesized most proximal mechanisms of action. An interactive Webtool (www.dbctcompendium.com) was created to facilitate access to and use of the Compendium. Conclusions The Compendium of DBCTs v2.0 offers a classification of DBCTs validated through expert consensus. It supports systematic development and reporting of dyadic interventions aimed at health behavior change in couples by specifying hypothesized links with underlying mechanisms of action. Future research should focus on identifying the effectiveness of DBCTs under various conditions and the Compendium’s applicability to other dyad types and behavioral domains.