Understanding how habits influence behavior and decision-making
Official title: Habits as hierarchical building blocks
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11041195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our daily habits can help us do things automatically but sometimes lead us to make unhealthy choices, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how to change their habits for better health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $159,275 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH136528-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals struggling with addiction or those looking to improve their health-related habits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with habit formation or control, such as those with stable and healthy behaviors, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of habits in everyday human behavior, focusing on how they can automate routine tasks while also potentially leading to negative outcomes, such as addiction or poor health choices. The study aims to explore the balance between habitual actions and goal-directed control, particularly in situations where habits may conflict with current goals. By using advanced computational modeling techniques, the researchers hope to better understand how habits form and how they can be modified or overridden when necessary. This could provide insights into improving health behaviors and reducing harmful habits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for helping individuals establish healthier habits and overcome detrimental ones.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding habits in non-human animals, but this approach in humans is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collins, Anne G.e. — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Collins, Anne G.e.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.