Mapping Longitudinal Dynamics of Learning Communities Dealing With Dutch Healthy Weight Approaches: An Updated Causal Loop Diagram

Learning communities (LCs) stimulate the learning and cross-sectoral collaboration that are essential in multidisciplinary challenges, such as healthy weight approaches (HWAs). Previous research on two multidisciplinary LCs about HWAs devised a causal loop diagram (CLD) identifying dynamics (i.e., mechanisms) that describe the functioning of LCs during their starting phase (first 6 months after LC start). As LCs are likely to develop over project phases, this study aimed to ascertain whether and how the LC system dynamics were perceived to develop over time. Qualitative interviews conducted with the LC members at a second juncture were processed to be able to update the initial CLD. The updated diagram indeed illustrated how the multidisciplinary LCs were perceived to develop. The CLD became more extensive and consequently further explained three aspects: the complexity and interrelatedness of group dynamics, gaining insights through exchange, and conditions to execute actions. To ensure adequate group dynamics, learning, and action execution, LC stakeholders can regularly use the CLD as a blueprint to identify solutions for LC bottlenecks, such as members limitedly arranging the LC jointly. Future research is needed to investigate whether such developments are caused by different LC project phases and/or by the number of LC meetings and reflections.