Role of behavior theory in behavioral medicine.

Abstract

Behavioral medicine is a multidisciplinary field that combines research methods and findings from behavioral and biomedical sciences. Many investigators in the field have tended to emphasize the contribution of the biomedical more than the behavioral sciences. This is evident in the emphasis on biological rather than behavioral outcomes and on the reductionist approach within the field to reduce mechanisms responsible for behavioral effects and disease to biological influences. There has been a similar shift in psychology toward mechanistic, bottom-up approaches to understanding mechanisms responsible for integrated and dynamic behavior. These shifts in emphasis have stimulated investigators to examine the use of biomedical methods and findings as causes and explanations for behavior, rather than to utilize newer findings in behavioral sciences. New advances in basic research on learning are used to illustrate that findings from behavioral science have implications for the field of contemporary behavioral medicine. Finally, the importance of developing new technologies for measuring behavior is presented.

A randomized clinical trial of a standard versus vegetarian diet for weight loss: the impact of treatment preference

“…[16][17][18][19] Conceptual models such as behavioral choice theory 20 postulate that those who are matched to treatment based on their personal choices will demonstrate better outcomes than those assigned to a treatment that does not match their personal preference. The few studies that have examined the effect of providing participants their preferred weight-loss treatment have produced inconsistent findings.…”

Effects of Proximity on the Choice to Be Physically Active or Sedentary

“…T h e choice to be physically active depends on allocating a portion of leisure time to engage in physically active rather than sedentary behaviors (Epstein, 1992). Given this choice, the overwhelming majority of American adults choose to be sedentary most of the time, as less than 25% of adults accumulate the recommended 30 min or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week (Pate et al, 1995).…”

Cognitive misperceptions as determinants of drug misuse / Errores cognitivos como determinantes del abuso de drogas

“…One acts to the limits of his or her behavioral repertoire, and one's knowledge of behavioral choices. One may or may not be fully aware of living in a world of "free operants" (Epstein, 1992). In other words, one may not be aware that there are several choices one may make to obtain satisfactory life outcomes.…”