Current issues and future directions in psychology and health: Towards a cumulative science of behaviour change: Do current conduct and reporting of behavioural interventions fall short of best practice?

Modifiable behavioral risk factors are the leading causes of mortality in the developed world. Effective behavior change interventions are thus the key to improving people's health. In this editorial, we reflect on experiences gained when conducting a systematic review of 34 trials of behavioral interventions for obese adults with additional cardiovascular risk factors using Cochrane methodology. In this editorial, we will discuss the quality of current literature and its consequences in three key areas of behavior change interventions: (a) the theoretical and evidence base (b) the research design and (c) the reporting of tests of behavior change interventions. This critical evaluation is not intended to undermine the credibility of behavioral research. Yet, standards are rising and if we uncritically accept conclusions based on studies that fall short of best practice, we discourage research that might lead to the improvement of behavioral science. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)