Most goals in life (e.g., becoming a high performing scientist or/and staying healthy, a so-called higher-level-goal) can only be reached by means of more than one behavior (e.g., to exercise appropriately and also to detach from work adequately). As there are no other models explicitly explaining this, the CCAM is unique in terms of describing multiple (health) behaviors reciprocally. The CCAM is based on other models which assume that actions must be intended, planned, and translated into concrete behavior. Higher-level-goals can determine outcome expectancies, and thereby control the actions via goal setting. Compensatory cognitions start operating in case of tempting situation (e.g., having to work overtime): If behavior A (e.g., exercising appropriately after work) is hindered, one can decide to perform another behavior (behavior B; e.g., do active commuting). Alternatively, one can adapt performance of behavior A by either executing it later or in a different way (e.g., exercising the next morning or with a shorter duration).

Evidence for these cognitive processes demonstrates that whereas compensatory cognitions are generally negative for adherence to the goal behavior (e.g., the exercise regime), intrinsic motivation can lower the risks for a lapse. Higher-level-goals may volitionally or unconsciously regulate different behaviors and their predictors. Overall, the CCAM consists of five assumptions, which are described in different publications, e.g., Lippke (2014, 2019).

Figure 1. Evidence for these cognitive processes demonstrates that whereas compensatory cognitions are generally negative for adherence to the goal behavior (e.g., the exercise regime), intrinsic motivation can lower the risks for a lapse. Higher-level-goals may volitionally or unconsciously regulate different behaviors and their predictors. Overall, the CCAM consists of five assumptions, which are described in different publications, e.g., Lippke (2014, 2019).

Single studies support specific assumptions (see reference below). There is evidence that different behaviors interrelate. Different studies support the assumption that carry-over mechanisms exist, and showing that cognitive carry-over and behavioral outcomes depend on, for instance, whether physical activity resources are being transferred to nutrition behavior. Research is still needed, however, to extend assumptions of the CCAM. This needs to be done using different research designs, particularly longitudinal observations, Randomized Control Trials with experimentally testing effects, and complex analyses of different behaviors and how they change depending on each other.

1. Single studies support specific assumptions (see reference below). There is evidence that different behaviors interrelate. Different studies support the assumption that carry-over mechanisms exist, and showing that cognitive carry-over and behavioral outcomes depend on, for instance, whether physical activity resources are being transferred to nutrition behavior. Research is still needed, however, to extend assumptions of the CCAM. This needs to be done using different research designs, particularly longitudinal observations, Randomized Control Trials with experimentally testing effects, and complex analyses of different behaviors and how they change depending on each other.

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