A growing body of research indicates that behavior analysis can be effectively utilized in various contexts, including autism. For instance, behavior analyzers have shown that their approaches are effective in changing unhealthy behaviors to healthier ones in people suffering from chronic pain, obesity, and substance addiction disorders. Additionally, behavior analysts are increasingly being used in settings such as hospitals and clinics to assist staff members in more effectively managing difficult behaviors exhibited by patients. This is done to improve patient care.
Behavior analysts are uniquely positioned to design and carry out behavior-based interventions that can potentially positively influence population-level behavior. For instance, behavior analysts working in tobacco control have produced successful mass media campaigns and community-based interventions, which have contributed to a considerable reduction in the number of people smoking in the United States (Brian & Karola, 2018). In public health, behavior analysts can use their behavior knowledge to design and implement interventions aimed at improving the health of populations of children with autism. For example, behavior analysts working in tobacco control have been successful in designing mass media campaigns and community-based interventions that have led to a significant reduction in the number of people smoking in the United States. Behavior analysts can also apply their knowledge of behavior to other public health issues, such as obesity, substance abuse, and violence (Brian & Karola, 2018). By understanding the behavior of individuals and groups, behavior analysts can design interventions that can potentially make a positive difference in the health of populations.
In addition, substance abuse treatment has been demonstrated to be another area in which behavior analysis is extremely beneficial. Behavior analysts have discovered that the concepts of behaviorism can be used to assist people in overcoming their dependence on substances such as alcohol and narcotics (Brian & Karola, 2018). In one investigation, behavior analysts successfully dissuaded alcoholics from drinking for six months by instructing the alcoholics to recognize and steer clear of situations that brought on intense urges to drink (Brian & Karola, 2018). Other research has demonstrated that behavior analysis effectively treats various mental health conditions, including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. Behavior analysts can be applied able to teach a group of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa how to recognize and steer clear of situations that cause them to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors, which allows the patients to increase the amount of food they consume and their overall body weight (Brian & Karola, 2018).
There is also evidence that behavior analysis can improve outcomes in various settings. For example, behavior analysts have worked with businesses to help them improve employee productivity and reduce absenteeism. Behavior analysts have used their school methods to improve academic performance and reduce disruptive behaviors (Brian & Karola, 2018). Another promising area of application for behavior analysis is in the area of healthcare administration. Behavior analysts have the skills and knowledge to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare organizations (Brian & Karola, 2018). For example, behavior analysts have been consulted to help redesign healthcare delivery systems, develop more effective communication systems for healthcare providers and patients with autism, and improve patient safety. Another potential application of behavior analysis is in the area of pain management. Pain is a complex phenomenon often resistant to treatment (Brian & Karola, 2018). However, behavior analysts can use learning principles to help children with autism manage their pain. Another potential application of behavior analysis is in the area of mental health.
References
Brian Fennell, & Karola Dillenburger. (2018). https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/60303. Www.intechopen.com. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/60303
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