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

Fall 2026 · NUTR 0211 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

What motivates people to adopt healthier food and lifestyle choices? This course will explore various theoretical perspectives on nutrition and health-related behavior change. It will include an examination of several individual-based, social-based, organization-based an eco-social theories, including the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Transtheoretical Model, Decision-Making, Social Support, Social Learning Theory, and Diffusion of Innovations. Knowledge of these theories will help inform the design of research and program interventions based on psycho-biological, social, cultural and organizational frameworks. The course emphasizes an understanding of core theory concepts and issues in measurement. In-class workshops will allow for direct application of the theories to students' current research and program intervention interests. The course will provide concepts and tools that can apply not only to the students' own research interests, but also to other courses, such as those focused on nutrition interventions, patient education, persuasive communication, social marketing and mass media. This course should be of great value to MS students in the Nutrition Communication, Nutrition Epidemiology, Nutrition Intervention Programs and to students in the MS/Dietetic Internship programs. Priority enrollment is given to: 1) NICBC students (for whom the course is a requirement); 2) Second-year FANPP students, Nutrition Interventions specialization; 3) Second-year Friedman students in any program doing a Nutrition Communication minor; 4) First-year FANPP students, Nutrition Interventions specialization; 5) First-year Friedman students in any program doing a Nutrition Communication minor; 6) Any other Friedman students; 7) MPH students; 8) Any other Tufts students (Graduate standing or instructor consent); 9) Any other students from Boston Consortium Schools.

Course codes: NUTR-0211, NUTR 0211, NUTR0211, NUTR-211, NUTR 211, NUTR211

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