Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)

Using Nudge in Public Health Policies and Its Consequences for Social Development: A Paradigmatic Model

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mohammad Reza Jalilvand 1
Behzad Mohammadian 2
Karim Ghanem Jassam Alobeidi 3
1 Department of Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
2 Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
3 PhD student in Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
10.22055/qjsd.2026.52287.3240
Abstract
The aim of this study is to design a paradigmatic model for the application of nudge in public health policies and its implications for social development. This study was designed with a qualitative approach based on a combination of systematic literature review strategies and evidence-based theory. Through a systematic literature review, primary central categories were extracted in the form of a paradigmatic model (including causal conditions, phenomena, strategies, intervening conditions, contextual conditions, and consequences). A total of 84 articles were identified, filtered, and analyzed after implementing the PRISMA process. The findings showed that in the causal conditions dimension, factors such as the inefficiency of rational decision-making, the complexity of choice environments, and the limitations of traditional policies are the main drivers of the move towards nudge. In the phenomenon dimension, nudge was defined as a combination of choosing architecture design and the use of cognitive biases. Effective strategies included behavioral, communication, motivational, and institutional approaches. Also, intervening conditions (such as institutional capacity and data infrastructure) and contextual conditions (such as service structure) play a decisive role in the success or failure of interventions. In terms of outcomes, the results showed that nudges lead to behavioral changes at the individual level, health system and health service outcomes, economic and cost outcomes, social and demographic outcomes, and governance and public policy outcomes.
Keywords
Nudge
Behavioral Policymaking
Health System
Evidence-Based Theory
Paradigmatic Model
Subjects
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Quarterly Journal of Social Development (Previously Human Development)
Volume 20, Issue 4 - Serial Number 80
Vol. 20, No. 4, Summer 2026
Summer 2026
Pages 235-280