Exercise Behavior Management

Too Many “Obligations” ?

What is a behavior? Behaviors have dimensions that can be measured:

   A. Frequency —number of times a behavior occurs    B. Duration —time from which a behavior begins until it ends    C. Intensity—physical force involved in the behavior

 Frequency, Duration, and Intensity are all physical dimensions of behavior

 Behaviors can be:    1.observed    2.described    3.recorded

Exercise and Sedentary Activities are behaviors…..

Risk BehaviorsThose that increase the susceptibility to negative health

outcomesSedentary behaviors are risk behaviors.The dimensions of risk behaviors can be modified

Change duration of behavior Change the frequency of the behavior Change the “impact” (intensity) of the behavior

Behavior ModificationFocus is on the behavior. It is designed to change

the behavior, not a characteristic or trait of the individual. Therefore, it de-emphasizes labeling

The behavior to be changed is called the Target Behavior (Sedentary Lifestyle)

Behavioral excess (Sedentary Activity) is an undesirable target behavior that needs to be decreased in frequency, duration, and intensity.

Behavioral deficit (Physical Activity) is a desirable target behavior that is seeking to be increased in frequency, duration, and intensity

Behavior ModificationEmphasis is on current environmental events.

Involves assessment and modification of the current environment that is functionally related to the behavior .

What are the environmental events that promote sedentary behavior and devalue exercise behavior?

Environmental Factors

Once these controlling variables are identified they are altered to modify the behavior.

Behavior ModificationPredisposing Factors (what you already have) can

influence behavior change:KnowledgeBeliefs ValuesAttitudesCultureAccessibility to Health Information and Care

Behavior ModificationEnabling Factors (what can help you) can

influence behavior change:ResourcesSkills (physical and mental)Time / ScheduleMoney

Behavior ModificationReinforcing Factors (what champions the

behavior)can influence behavior change:Incentive and RewardsFamily SupportPeer supportReinforcement (see next slide)

Positive Negative

Behavior ModificationReinforcement

 Definition: Reinforcement is a process in which a behavior is strengthened by the immediate consequence that reliably (consistently) follows it occurrence. It can be either positive or negative.

In other words……When a behavior is strengthened it is more likely to occur in the future

Behavior ModificationPositive Reinforcement Definition:1.    The occurrence of a behavior 2.    Is followed by the addition of a stimulus or

increase in the intensity of a stimulus 3.    Which strengthens the behavior Negative Reinforcement Definition:4.    The occurrence of a behavior 5.    Is followed by the removal of a stimulus or

decrease in the intensity of a stimulus 6.    Which strengthens the behavior

Behavior Modification

Example of Positive Reinforcement (R+) Begin an exercise program After one week, loses two pounds Increases the frequency of exercise to lose

more weightExample of Negative Reinforcement (R+) Stops exercising on a consistent schedule Begins gaining weight (looks and feels worse) Increases the frequency of exercise to lose

more weight (ie. remove the weight gain)

Behavior Modification In R+ the stimulus that is presented or appears following a

behavior is called a positive reinforcer In R- the stimulus that is removed or avoided following a

behavior is called an aversive stimulus Difference between R+ and R- is that in R+ a response produces

a stimulus (positive reinforcer) Whereas, in R- a response removes or prevents the occurrence

of a stimulus (aversive stimulus) In both cases, the behavior is likely to occur again in the future. Some confuse Negative Reinforcement with Punishment. They

are not the same!!! Negative Reinforcement, like Positive Reinforcement

increases or strengthens the behavior Punishment, in contrast and by definition, decreases or

weakens a behavior

Behavior ModificationKey Points on Reinforcement….Exercise must be a positive reinforcer (What

are the positive benefits to exercise?)Exercise must remove the aversive stimulus

(What benefits will you lose if you do not exercise?)

Exercise should never be experienced as punishment

Where to begin…Behavior ModificationAnalyzing Exercise Behavior

FrequencyDurationSeriousness

Perceived seriousness Perceived susceptibility Cues to action

Basis for problem behaviorAntecedentsExercise Readiness (hyperlink)

Stages of Behavior Change (hyperlink)

End of Presentation