Let’s get fit with behavior analysis: An introduction to health research in behavior analysis

In recent years, many behavior analysts have been making concerted efforts to expand the variety of areas in which we practice and conduct research. This has led to an increase of research in a variety of socially-significant areas, including the health and wellness field. Some of the research in this area has included a.) increasing the amount of physical activity in which an individual engages, b.) increasing healthy food choices over non-healthy food choices, and c.) decreasing unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or other addictive habits. Behavior analysts have been extremely effective and valuable in their efforts in these areas; however, unless students are directly associated with the professors conducting research in this area, they are unlikely to be aware of the significant impact behavior analysts have made to the health and wellness field. To assist in the ongoing encouragement of behavior analysts to pursue a variety of socially-significant areas, this panel will highlight and discuss the research opportunities and possible clinical-career opportunities for behavior analysts in the health and wellness field