Too Many “Obligations” ?
What is a behavior?
 Behaviors have dimensions that can be measured:
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A. Frequency —number of times a behavior occurs
B. Duration —time from which a behavior begins until it ends
C. Intensity—physical force involved in the behavior
 Frequency, Duration, and Intensity are all physical dimensions
of behavior
Behaviors can be:
 1.observed
 2.described
 3.recorded
Exercise and Sedentary Activities are behaviors…..
 Risk Behaviors
 Those that increase the susceptibility to negative health
outcomes
 Sedentary behaviors are risk behaviors.
 The dimensions of risk behaviors can be modified
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Change duration of behavior
Change the frequency of the behavior
Change the “impact” (intensity) of the behavior
Behavior Modification
 Focus is on the behavior. It is designed to change the
behavior, not a characteristic or trait of the individual.
Therefore, it de-emphasizes labeling
 The behavior to be changed is called the Target
Behavior (Sedentary Lifestyle)
 Behavioral excess (Sedentary Activity) is an undesirable
target behavior that needs to be decreased in
frequency, duration, and intensity.
 Behavioral deficit (Physical Activity) is a desirable target
behavior that is seeking to be increased in frequency,
duration, and intensity
Behavior Modification
 Emphasis is on current environmental events. Involves
assessment and modification of the current
environment that is functionally related to the
behavior .
 What are the environmental events that promote
sedentary behavior and devalue exercise behavior?
Environmental Factors
Once these controlling variables are identified they are altered to
modify the behavior.
Behavior Modification
 Predisposing Factors (what you already have) can influence
behavior change:
 Knowledge
 Beliefs
 Values
 Attitudes
 Culture
 Accessibility to Health Information and Care
Behavior Modification
 Enabling Factors (what can help you) can influence
behavior change:
 Resources
 Skills (physical and mental)
 Time / Schedule
 Money
Behavior Modification
 Reinforcing Factors (what champions the behavior)can
influence behavior change:
 Incentive and Rewards
 Family Support
 Peer support
 Reinforcement (see next slide)
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Positive
Negative
Behavior Modification
Reinforcement
 Definition: Reinforcement is a process in which a
behavior is strengthened by the immediate
consequence that reliably (consistently) follows it
occurrence. It can be either positive or negative.
In other words……When a behavior is strengthened it
is more likely to occur in the future
Behavior Modification
Positive Reinforcement Definition:
1.
The occurrence of a behavior
2.
Is followed by the addition of a stimulus or increase
in the intensity of a stimulus
3.
Which strengthens the behavior
Negative Reinforcement Definition:
1.
The occurrence of a behavior
2.
Is followed by the removal of a stimulus or decrease
in the intensity of a stimulus
3.
Which strengthens the behavior
Behavior Modification
Example of Positive Reinforcement (R+)
 Begin an exercise program
 After one week, loses two pounds
 Increases the frequency of exercise to lose more
weight
Example of Negative Reinforcement (R+)
 Stops exercising on a consistent schedule
 Begins gaining weight (looks and feels worse)
 Increases the frequency of exercise to lose more
weight (ie. remove the weight gain)
Behavior Modification
 In R+ the stimulus that is presented or appears following a
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behavior is called a positive reinforcer
In R- the stimulus that is removed or avoided following a
behavior is called an aversive stimulus
Difference between R+ and R- is that in R+ a response produces
a stimulus (positive reinforcer)
Whereas, in R- a response removes or prevents the occurrence of
a stimulus (aversive stimulus)
In both cases, the behavior is likely to occur again in the future.
Some confuse Negative Reinforcement with Punishment. They
are not the same!!!
Negative Reinforcement, like Positive Reinforcement
increases or strengthens the behavior
Punishment, in contrast and by definition, decreases or
weakens a behavior
Behavior Modification
Key Points on Reinforcement….
 Exercise must be a positive reinforcer (What are the
positive benefits to exercise?)
 Exercise must remove the aversive stimulus (What
benefits will you lose if you do not exercise?)
 Exercise should never be experienced as punishment
Where to begin…Behavior
Modification
 Analyzing Exercise Behavior
 Frequency
 Duration
 Seriousness
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Perceived seriousness
Perceived susceptibility
Cues to action
 Basis for problem behavior
 Antecedents
 Exercise Readiness (hyperlink)
Stages of Behavior Change
(hyperlink)
End of Presentation