Reader's Guide
Reading order and accessing outputs
How to Read this Portfolio
This portfolio presents a collection of research and practice-based outputs supported by an Overarching Commentary. The commentary provides context, rationale, theoretical framing, methods and critical reflection, and should be read alongside each output to support understanding of its development, purpose, and contribution.
Portfolio Overview
This portfolio includes the following components:
- Overarching Commentary
- Output 1: COM-B Physical Activity Questionnaire (COM-B PAQ) Website
- Output 2: Research Paper on the Development and Validation of the COM-B PAQ
- Output 3: Insight and Impact Report on Implementing an evidence-based physical activity intervention at Canterbury Christ Church University using the COM-B model and the Behaviour Change Wheel
- Output 4: Video Case Study & Critical Narrative
- Output 5: Guide for How to Use the Behaviour Change Wheel to Design Physical Activity Interventions in a University
Overarching Commentary
This provides the foundation for all portfolio outputs, including context, theory, and methods.
Steps:
Steps:
- Click the button below and begin at the start of the Overarching Commentary (p.14-53)
- Read the following sections in order:
- Context
- Theoretical Approach
- COM-B Model and Behaviour Change Wheel
- Methodology
- Method
- Then return to this page and continue with Output 1 below.
Output 1: COM-B Physical Activity Questionnaire (COM-B PAQ) Website
This output centres on the development of both the COM-B Physical Activity Questionnaire (COM-B PAQ) and its dedicated website as the primary host and access point for the tool. The questionnaire is designed to assess behavioural influences on physical activity through the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework, capturing key drivers related to capability, opportunity, and motivation. The accompanying website provides access to the questionnaire, scoring guidance, banding thresholds and theoretical context, ensuring the tool is both accessible and practically applicable. Together the questionnaire and website offer a structured approach to understanding physical activity behaviour and informing subsequent research and intervention development.
Steps:
- Click the button below to view the COM-B PAQ website (including the questionnaire).
- Then read the accompanying commentary in the Overarching Commentary - p.57
Output 2: Research Paper on the Development and Validation of the COM-B PAQ
This output focuses on evidencing the COM-B PAQ as a reliable and theoretically grounded measurement instrument. The paper documents the development process, methodological decisions, and psychometric evaluation. Its publication contributes to knowledge by offering a validated tool that other researchers and institutions can use to assess physical activity behaviours.
Steps:
- Click the button below to read the research paper.
- Then read the accompanying commentary in the Overarching Commentary - p.63
As a pre-print: Cambar*, L., Hurst, P., Griffiths, G., Campbell, A., Mills, H., & Foad, A. (2025, December 4). Development and validation of the COM-B Physical Activity Questionnaire (COM-B PAQ) (Version 1) [Preprint]. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8158857/v1
Current version below:
Output 3: Insight and Impact Report on Implementing an evidence-based physical activity intervention at Canterbury Christ Church University using the COM-B model and the Behaviour Change Wheel
This report applies research findings into practice by describing how a COM-B and Behaviour Change Wheel-informed physical activity intervention (Thrive) was implemented at Canterbury Christ Church University. The intervention was delivered within the context of an externally funded university project that ran alongside, but separate from, this PhD, providing a real-world setting in which doctoral insights could be applied. It presents key insights from focus groups and the COM-B PAQ, the design process, outcomes, challenges and lessons learned. The report shows how theory-driven research can inform institutional initiatives and decision-making.
Steps:
- Click the button below to read the insight and impact report.
- Then read the accompanying commentary in the Overarching Commentary - p.69
Output 4: Video Case Study & Critical Narrative
This output includes a video case study that documents the physical activity intervention in a visual and accessible format. The video showcases the intervention in practice, including stakeholder perspectives and participant experiences, and highlights how the intervention was designed, delivered, and received in a real-world context. The accompanying critical narrative reflects on the process, key insights, and learning points, helping to contextualise what is shown. Together, they support wider communication of the research and of the intervention’s design and delivery in a format that is accessible and relevant to both academic and non-academic audiences.
Steps:
- Watch the video case study using the link below.
- Read the critical narrative (also below).
- Then read the commentary for both in the Overarching Commentary - p.127
Output 5: Guide for How to Use the Behaviour Change Wheel to Design Physical Activity Interventions in a University
This practical guide provides step-by-step support for universities wishing to design physical activity interventions using the Behaviour Change Wheel. It distils the PhD’s learning into an applied resource. The guide’s value lies in its usability, helping institutions adopt a structured, theory-driven approach to promoting physical activity.
Steps
- Click the button below to view the guide.
- Then read the accompanying commentary in the Overarching Commentary - p.131
Author note: The candidate was enrolled on the PhD under the name Laura Ackerley and now publishes under the married name Laura Cambar.