Introducing the Compendium
The Compendium of Dyadic Behavior Change Techniques v2.0 presents a systematic framework for describing dyadic behavior change techniques in couples, by specifying “who performs what for whom” during intervention delivery and subsequent implementation.
Watch the video for a comprehensive introduction to Dyadic Behavior Change Techniques (DBCTs) and the Compendium v2.0 as a whole.
If you prefer reading, you can also browse through the slides here to learn about the key concepts at your own pace.
Please note that the terminology was changed during the revision process of the Compendium v2.0. The original terms used in Compendium v1.0 (Di Maio, Villinger et al., 2024) ‘dyadic intervention techniques’ and ‘determinants were replaced by ‘dyadic behavior change techniques’ and ‘mechanisms of action’ to reflect the focus on behavior change.
What is a Dyadic Behavior Change Technique (DBCT)?
DBCTs are used in dyadic interventions in which partners are instructed to interact with each other. A detailed description and classification of different types of dyadic interventions can be found in Di Maio, Villinger, et al. (2024).
We define a DBCT to change behaviors as an observable and replicable intervention technique that explicitly involves any form of interaction with, or clear reference to, a non-professional dyad member to change behavior (formerly referred to as DIT; Di Maio et al., 2024). The technique specifies “who performs what for whom” during intervention delivery or subsequent implementation (Di Maio, Villinger, et al., 2024).
DBCTs that are performed by one partner alone are called cross-over techniques. For instance, one partner could be instructed to set a healthy nutrition goal for the other partner or for them as a dyad. DBCTs that are performed by the dyad together are called joint techniques. For instance, the dyad could be instructed to set a physical activity goal for one partner or for them as a dyad.
DBCTs can instruct either observable interactions (e.g., providing support, giving feedback) or mental representations (e.g., recognizing risks, planning) that are related to the behavioral outcome.
What is the Compendium of DBCTs?
The Compendium presents a systematic framework for describing currently existing DBCTs for romantic couples, by specifying “who performs what for whom” during intervention delivery and subsequent implementation. The Compendium v2.0 describes 73 intervention tasks that are nested in 32 theoretical determinants that are in turn clustered in 10 domains of the theoretical domains framework (TDF; Atkins et al., 2017, Cane et al., 2017). The figure below depicts the general structure of the Compendium v2.0 (see PDF).
The Compendium of DBCTs was developed for behavior change in romantic couples based on a systematic review (DiMaio, Villinger et al., 2024). However, we assume the Compendium to be applicable to other dyad constellations (e.g., family members, friends, parent-child, etc.).
The Compendium of DBCTs has two primary objectives: (1) to facilitate systematic reporting of dyadic intervention content and (2) to aid developing theory-based dyadic interventions for changing health behaviors. To use the Compendium v2.0 you can either download the PDF or use the web tool on this website. The PDF provides a comprehensive overview of the entire Compendium v2.0 at a glance. The web tool, on the other hand, enables you to directly find DBCTs based on specific criteria, such as execution or target levels, links to theoretical mechanisms of action and domains.
