Behavioral Medicine Glossary

Gradual modification of behavior through systematic reinforcement of successive approximations toward a target behavior.

The phenomenon where changes in one health behavior influence other related or unrelated behaviors, either positively or...

A specific, measurable behavior identified as the focus of a behavioral medicine intervention.

The gradual adjustment of intervention parameters or behavioral goals to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes while mini...

Gradual reduction in behavioral response to a stimulus due to repeated exposure, distinct from physiological habituation...

Detailed description of the physical form and characteristics of a specific behavior as it occurs.

Comprehensive document outlining specific behavioral interventions, target behaviors, measurement strategies, and expect...

The degree of fluctuation or inconsistency in behavioral responses across time, situations, or conditions.

A technique that teaches patients to control physiological processes by providing real-time feedback about bodily functi...

A comprehensive framework that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding health and illne...

A psychotherapeutic approach that addresses dysfunctional thinking patterns and behaviors.

A reinforcement arrangement where two or more response options are simultaneously available.

A formal written agreement specifying behavioral expectations and corresponding consequences between patient and provide...

A behavioral intervention that provides tangible rewards for achieving specific behavioral goals or treatment milestones...

A cognitive-behavioral treatment that emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness...

A behavior modification technique that reinforces appropriate behaviors while withholding reinforcement for inappropriat...

An environmental cue that signals when a particular behavior will likely be reinforced or punished.

A data collection method that captures real-time information about behaviors, emotions, and experiences in natural envir...

Real-time behavioral interventions delivered in natural settings using mobile technology to provide immediate support wh...

Framework examining how individual behavior is influenced by multiple environmental systems from microsystem to macrosys...

The degree to which research findings or interventions generalize to real-world settings and behaviors.

A behavioral therapy technique that involves confronting feared stimuli while refraining from compulsive or avoidance be...

An experimental method for identifying the environmental variables that maintain problem behaviors.

A systematic process to identify the purpose or function that a problem behavior serves for an individual.