What is Behavioral Health Psychology?
Many health conditions are the result of behaviors:
Condition | Behavior |
Overweight/Obese | Poor nutrition and physical inactivity |
Lung Cancer/ Emphysema |
Smoking |
Addiction | Substance abuse |
Alcoholism | Problem drinking |
Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Unprotected sex |
Individuals – in principle – have the ability to modify their behaviors in order to improve their health condition, quality of life, and future health outcomes. Behavioral health psychologists investigate and implement a broad range of activities and approaches that focus on the individual, community and environmental influences on behavior. These behavioral programs are usually grounded in one or more theories of behavior change, and focus on activities that help a person reflect on their unhealthy behaviors and change them in order to reduce their risk for poor health and improve their overall quality of life.