Models for Understanding Sedentary Behaviour

With the recognition that prolonged periods of sitting can have adverse health consequences, a research priority is to build the requisite knowledge base for effective interventions—that is, what needs to be changed in order to change sitting time? To do so requires an understanding of the determinants of sedentary behaviours. Conceptual models can assist in developing this key element of the overall sedentary behaviour epidemiology research agenda. Sedentary behaviours can usefully be understood as inherently context-specific—taking place in domestic environments, during transportation, and in the workplace. Within this perspective, an ecological model emphasizes the role of “behaviour settings”—context-specific environmental influences—as being of particular relevance. This chapter presents an approach informed by a behavioural epidemiology framework that draws on evidence about sedentary behaviour and health, and also policy contexts that influence sitting, to gain a greater understanding of the determinants of sedentary behaviour. To demonstrate how this approach may assist our understanding of sedentary behaviour in a particular setting, we apply the five principles of an ecological model to sitting in the workplace. We outline how this model can provide an environmentally focused perspective and help to direct attention to multiple levels of influence on sedentary behaviour. A case study of an intervention trial addressing multiple levels of potential determinants of workplace sedentary behaviour is presented, emphasizing the importance of conceptually informed and practically grounded research to underpin approaches to sedentary behaviour change. We discuss some of the strengths and limitations of our approach and suggest opportunities for future research.