Theories of Behavior Change and Their Application in Nutrition and Public Health Interventions (NUTC-0211)

Spring 2026 · NUTC 0211 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

For many Americans, actual health behaviors fall short of evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. Why do people do what they do—or don’t do? How can we design programs that tap into these factors to support healthier behaviors? This course explores theories of behavior change commonly used in nutrition and public health. Specific theories addressed include the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Learning Theory, Diffusion of Innovations, Behavioral Economics, and the Socio-Ecological framework. The course emphasizes the application of core theory concepts to the design and evaluation of program interventions.

Course codes: NUTC-0211, NUTC 0211, NUTC0211, NUTC-211, NUTC 211, NUTC211

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