Most people want to live a rich and meaningful life. Unfortunately, improving quality of life requires behavior change that is difficult (e.g., eating healthy foods, exercising, making time for social connection and hobbies, etc.). Because engaging in healthy behaviors involves choice, it is our role as practitioners to help move the choice point away from impulsivity and towards rational thinking; however, most physicians and other medical providers have limited tools for helping patients make these changes. Fortunately, research in applied behavioral science provides a useful framework for addressing these challenges. This presentation will provide participants with an understanding of behavioral concepts and how these concepts can be applied to help patients make meaningful lifestyle changes. Strategies derived from these concepts will address environmental cues and other proactive strategies, motivational factors and goal setting, and navigating urges and other difficult emotions.
Learning Objectives:
Illustrate a foundational understanding of behavioral principles and what makes a behavior more or less likely to occur.
Describe the impact of behavioral principles on patient actions and choices related to healthy behaviors.
Apply behavioral strategies in practice to better equip your patients with the resources they need to make meaningful lifestyle changes.
.jpg "Erica Jowett Hirst, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, DipACLM photo")