Transdisciplinary translational behavioral (TDTB) research: opportunities, barriers, and innovations

Abstract

The translation of basic behavioral science discoveries into practical strategies represents a promising approach to developing more effective preventive interventions to improve health. Since translational research inevitably involves making use of diverse perspectives from multiple disciplines, it is best conducted as a transdisciplinary enterprise. In this paper, we discuss current strategies used by NIH to support transdisciplinary translational behavioral (TDTB) research, summarize successful efforts, and highlight challenges encountered in conducting such work (ranging from conceptual to organizational to methodological). Using examples from NIH-funded projects we illustrate the potential benefits of, and barriers to, pursuing this type of research and discuss next steps and potential future directions for NIH-supported TDTB research.

Emotion, health decision making, and health behaviour

“…Cameron et al, 2017;Evans et al, 2017;Mahler, 2017;Reynolds et al, 2017) to improve theories and use-inspired basic work on goal pursuit, risk perceptions, positive affect and social norms. This recommendation for basic-to-applied-to-basic translation is consistent with parallel recommendations for affective science and health behaviour change (Rhodes et al, 2017), as well as emerging recommendations for behavioural science and health research (Czajkowski et al, 2016;Glasgow, 2008;Sussman et al, 2006; see also: https://obssr.od.nih.gov/about-us/strategic-plan/).…”

“…Thus, papers are organised along the research continuum, from theory generation to use-inspired, encompassing basic to applied. This basic-to-applied-to-basic translational model for health research is increasing in popularity (Czajkowski et al, 2016;Glasgow, 2008;Sussman, Valente, Rohrbach, Skara, & Ann Pentz, 2006; see also: https://obssr.od.nih.gov/about-us/strategic-plan/).…”

Transdisciplinary approaches enhance the production of translational knowledge

“…However, it does suggest that transdisciplinary collaboration can help in some situations, and failing to enhance cross-disciplinary communication and subsequent research approaches may slow down our progress. That said, many barriers to the conduct of true transdisciplinary/team science are ingrained in our research infrastructure, including promotion criteria, funding, training strategies, and field specific jargon 13, 87–91 , and these barriers must be overcome if we are to realize the benefits of transdisciplinary research. Importantly, the limitations of uni-disciplinary research may not always be apparent, but if we utilize transdisciplinary approaches, those shortcomings are clarified and our ability to improve human health is enhanced.…”

New Directions in Cancer Control and Population Sciences

“…It reflects an integrated and interrelated process from basic biomedical and behavioral research to intervention research to surveillance, all tied together with research syntheses methods and resulting in policy change or implementation science (1). This model has morphed into a more recent framework reflecting increased interest in the translational science continuum (15). In this framework basic discovery (bench) is translated into interventions (bedside) and to populations eventually becoming engrained into health systems, community practice, health policy, and other societal sectors.…”