Sticking to New Year’s Resolutions: Exploring Drivers of Behavior Change Maintenance

Objective. Sustained behavior change is critical for health and wellbeing, yet maintaining new behaviors over time is notoriously challenging. The present study explored the trajectories and determinants of real-world behavior change maintenance in the context of self-chosen New Year’s resolutions. Specifically, we examined a broad, integrated set of the most prominent individual-level determinants of behavior change maintenance identified across theoretical frameworks and literature. Methods. We recruited an approximately representative sample of Dutch adults (N = 183). Using a longitudinal, repeated-measures design over five months with 4 measurement moments, we assessed self-reported behavioral adherence, experienced success, habit formation, motivational determinants, responses to setbacks, and use of self-regulation strategies. Results. Most resolutions were approach-oriented (65%), targeting physical activity or nutrition. Behavioral adherence was relatively stable around 60% for approach-oriented goals, but declined over time for avoidance-oriented goals. Mixed-effects analyses highlighted habit strength, satisfaction with behavior change, self-efficacy, and self-monitoring as strongest and most consistent predictors of adherence to new year’s resolutions over time. Conclusion. These findings provide an integrated view of the drivers of behavior change maintenance and suggest key starting points for future longitudinal research to build our fundamental understanding of behavior change maintenance.