How Behavioral Analysis has Contributed to the Health Area?

Abstract

Health Psychology has investigated variables and proposed strategies to prevent problems or promote health conditions. Specifically in Applied Behavior Analysis, the maintenance and modifications of health-related behaviors has been the focus of interest. By a literature review, the aim of this work was to identify studies, based on Applied Behavior Analysis, that show contributions to the health area. All issues of Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis published between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed. The articles that had, in their title, any health-related terms were selected. One hundred and sixty studies were found and after the analysis, considering the objective, methods and results, 11 health themes were defined (compliance, diabetes, feeding problems, drugs use, medical procedures, occupational health, oral health, physical activity, self-injurious behavior, sleeping problems and traffic safety). Studies based on behavior analytical proposals showed the applicability of concepts to the health area. Besides, it was possible to identify and analyze the main methodological characteristics used and also their efficacy to changing health behavior patterns.

Health Psychology; Behavior Analysis; Literature Review