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Western Journal of Nursing Research
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Identity Shifts as Turning Points in Health Behavior Change

Margaret H. Kearney

Joanne O’Sullivan

The authors used a grounded formal theory approach to synthesize the findings of 14 studies, with the goal of identifying common elements in qualitative studies of individuals’ efforts to change a variety of unhealthy behaviors. The combined sample of 399 participants had experiences of weight loss, smoking cessation, and alcohol and drug-abuse recovery. Data were extracted from published reports and analyzed using grounded-theory techniques. In the provisional model, a value conflict in response to distressing accumulated evidence prompts a small step toward behavior change. If successful, an identity shift begins. Increased self-awareness and self-confidence fuel continued change. Numerous constraints to success are noted at each step. The links to previous conceptions of identity shift are discussed.

Key Words: health promotion • behavior change • qualitative research • meta-synthesis • grounded theory

Western Journal of Nursing Research, Vol. 25, No. 2, 134-152 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0193945902250032
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