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Embracing chaos and complexity: A quantum change for public health

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  • Resnicow, K.
  • Page, S.E.

Abstract

Public health research and practice have been guided by a cognitive, rational paradigm where inputs produce linear, predictable changes in outputs. However, the conceptual and statistical assumptions underlying this paradigm may be flawed. In particular, this perspective does not adequately account for nonlinear and quantum influences on human behavior. We propose that health behavior change is better understood through the lens of chaos theory and complex adaptive systems. Key relevant principles include that behavior change (1) is often a quantum event; (2) can resemble a chaotic process that is sensitive to initial conditions, highly variable, and difficult to predict; and (3) occurs within a complex adaptive system with multiple components, where results are often greater than the sum of their parts.

Suggested Citation

  • Resnicow, K. & Page, S.E., 2008. "Embracing chaos and complexity: A quantum change for public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(8), pages 1382-1389.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2007.129460_6
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.129460
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    Cited by:

    1. Newton-Levinson, Anna & Higdon, Megan & Sales, Jessica & Gaydos, Laurie & Rochat, Roger, 2020. "Context matters: Using mixed methods timelines to provide an accessible and integrated visual for complex program evaluation data," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    2. Keshavarz, Nastaran & Nutbeam, Don & Rowling, Louise & Khavarpour, Freidoon, 2010. "Schools as social complex adaptive systems: A new way to understand the challenges of introducing the health promoting schools concept," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(10), pages 1467-1474, May.
    3. Goldenberg, Shira M. & Strathdee, Steffanie A. & Gallardo, Manuel & Rhodes, Tim & Wagner, Karla D. & Patterson, Thomas L., 2011. ""Over here, it's just drugs, women and all the madness": The HIV risk environment of clients of female sex workers in Tijuana, Mexico," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(7), pages 1185-1192, April.
    4. Nordhagen, Stella & Nielsen, Jennifer & van Mourik, Tom & Smith, Erin & Klemm, Rolf, 2019. "Fostering CHANGE: Lessons from implementing a multi-country, multi-sector nutrition-sensitive agriculture project," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    5. Conroy, Denise M. & Allen, Will, 2010. "Who do you think you are? An examination of how systems thinking can help social marketing support new identities and more sustainable living patterns," Australasian marketing journal, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 195-197.
    6. Kirillova, Ksenia & Lehto, Xinran, 2015. "An existential conceptualization of the vacation cycle," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 110-123.
    7. Braciszewski, Jordan M. & Tzilos Wernette, Golfo K. & Moore, Roland S. & Bock, Beth C. & Stout, Robert L. & Chamberlain, Patricia, 2018. "A pilot randomized controlled trial of a technology-based substance use intervention for youth exiting foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 466-476.

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