MINDSPACE behaviour change

Mindspace behaviour change is a framework that can be used to help people decide if they want to commit to behaviour modification. It comes under behavioural science as it is the first step in understanding a change in behaviour. The ‘MINDSPACE’ anagram is used in many different scenarios as a way to either change or enforce behaviours. The letters of ‘MINDSPACE’ stand for: messenger, incentives, norms, defaults, silence, priming, affects, commitment and ego.

Messenger – A behaviour modification is more likely to occur if the information about the change is being told by someone we trust. For example, you’re more likely to listen to a close friend that you trust over someone you haven’t met before.

Incentives – What we get out of the change or what we avoid. Research has shown that avoiding a loss or negative outcome is more incentivising than a reward.

Norms – People will act based on what they see others do around them. If they regularly encounter a certain behaviour, they are more likely to adopt that behaviour than one they don’t see as regularly.

Defaults – Everyone has their own behaviour and changing that will prove to be a challenge. To begin changing behaviour you must first try to block out the behaviour that you’re trying to lose.

Silence – Trying to relate certain messages to yourself to make them seem more relevant. If something is irrelevant, then it can appear as if it’s not actually there.

Priming – Surrounding yourself with images, sounds, and smells that promote the new behaviour. Some people may feel relaxed by certain sounds and agitated by others.

Affects – Creating a positive mood will, most likely, encourage you to behave in a more positive way. Common behaviours that people try to avoid, such as smoking or excessive eating, are most common when the environment isn’t right.

Commitment – How willing the individual is to make behaviour modifications. It has been proven that making new goals public will make you more committed.

Ego – People act in a way that they wish to be seen. The ones who want to be viewed as healthy will likely exercise and eat well; whereas those who want to be seen as boisterous will likely act so.

Support Us..

We hope that you have found this article useful. This section is freely available for all to use. Please help support it by liking us or following us on our social media platforms: