Promoting health behavior change presents an important challenge to theory and research in the field of health psychology. In this paper, we introduce a context-driven approach, the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model which is built on Relational Frame Theory. The ACT-based intervention aims to promote individuals’ new health behavior patterns through the improvement of the key construct of psychological flexibility, which is defined as the ability to contact the present moment more fully with acceptance and mindfulness as a conscious human being. Building on the psychological flexibility model, implemented through the six core ACT processes, individuals improve maintenance of long term health behavior change through committed acts in service of chosen values while acknowledging and accepting the existence of contrary thoughts, rules, and emotions as part of themselves but not determinant of their behaviors. Taking advantage of this context-driven approach of health behavior change, we recommend researchers and practitioners to design their health behavior change intervention programs based on ACT.
The target article (Kirby, 2016) proposes that we add the promotion of mindful, psychologically flexible, pro-social values to positive parenting programs. These programs intend to create more nurturing environments through the goal of promoting and reinforcing pro-social behavior, minimizing coercion and aggression, and reducing opportunities for problem behavior. This goal, the article argues, will be supported by greater emphasis on mindfulness and compassion. We agree, although we hope our comments might add to the precision and scope of this recommendation.Nurturing environments do not necessarily come naturally. As the target article notes, parenting is much more than simply addressing bad behaviors. The article argues that mindfulness will help parents avoid being reactive, harsh, or impatient and will increase the likelihood that they notice opportunities to reinforce positive steps. Compassion, it is said, will promote acting in line with parenting values, rather than reacting with parental behavior that is punitive or dismissive. The article suggests that both of these processes will be sup-ported by a greater emphasis on psychological flexibil
The Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe, a Hilton Corporation hotel located in South Lake Tahoe, California, is working to become an environmentally responsible lodging business. This case study describes what the site has done to improve their environmentally relevant practices. The installation of technology, implementation of behavior-based programs to encourage guests and employees to engage in conservation practices, and their work to influence local individuals and businesses to adopt similar initiatives is described. The results indicate that these investments have had a positive impact on business operations evidenced by reduced costs (e.g. a 1.1 million dollar cost savings over 3 years). Additional benefits in reducing environmental externalities are noted. This paper articulates some challenges and opportunities for behavior analysts as more businesses adopt similar programs.
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