Question

Social and Behavioral Science Theories
How would you apply one of the theories we’ve discussed this semester to obesity, substance use, or sexual behavior?

Answer 1

Behavioural Sciences
It includes the analysis and investigation of human behaviour through the study of past, present and through scientific experimentation.

Behavioural Theory
It is based on the concept that all behaviours are acquired through conditioning, which occurs through our interaction with environment. This school of thought believes that our responses to the environmental stimuli shape our actions.

The behavioural problems including substance abuse, sexual behaviour, and obesity can be considered as behavioural problems.Many studies proved that behaviour change interventions can solve this problem to some extent. Interventions have been targeted at behavioural risk factors, encouraging protective behaviours and improving adaptation to acute illness. To improve the efficacy of such interventions, it is necessary to have a theoretical understanding of behaviour.

Behavioural approach to obesity
Behavioural theory views obesity as an over learned habit conditioned due to different internal and external cues. Different studies proved that there is a relation between emotional state and food intake. Specific behaviour modification techniques can be used to control the stimuli that cause over-eating which eventually leads to obesity.

Behavioural approach to substance abuse
This approach view drug addiction as a behavioural disorder in which drugs acts as reinforcers. Behavioural scientists could help in this understanding by paying more attention on assessment of differences in the reinforcing strength of drugs.

Behavioural approach to sexual behaviour
Behaviours play a vital role in a person’s sexual behaviour. Any fluctuations in one’s emotions, would reflect in his sexual behaviour as well.

Health belief model (HBM) is a theory of health behaviour, which addresses newer concerns in prevention and detection as well as lifestyle behaviours such as sexual risk behaviours. The key constructs of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, benefits, cues to action are the core constructs of HBM.

Behavioural sciences theory is more related to obesity, substance abuse and sexual behaviour.