Behavior is a Tool

Our behavior is a tool that provides many options for achieving a specific outcome.

Like a wrench or a spoon or a mop – behavior is how we get what we need.

Behavior is a tool.

Taking a behavioral approach to weight loss allows users to love food again. It also provides a new perspective on the eating behaviors that are maintaining the situation the user is wanting to change. Consider this – behavior is a tool. Like a wrench or a spoon or a mop – behavior is how we get what we need. Like all tools, a single tool may be used to accomplish more than one task (did you ever use a pencil to open a taped package?). Also true of tools – the same task may be accomplished using different tools (a key works too, or box cutter if you are feeling fancy).

Behaviors have purposes. We call these functions.

In behavior analysis, the purpose of a behavior is referred to as its function. For example, the behavior of saying “Hello” functions to initiate an interaction. There are other ways to accomplish the same function, like a head nod, or a wave, or gesturing for a high five.

The functions of a behavior will change based on the context. That is, any single behavior may have multiple functions. Consider a sarcastic comment. In some contexts these are very funny. In other contexts, a sarcastic comment will function to engage another person in an argument. A sarcastic comment can also be used to break the ice when there is an awkward social context. You might say that someone uses sarcasm to accomplish different outcomes in various social contexts.

There are two functions. That’s it.

Behavior analysis knows how to cut through it. There is no list of reasons why we do what we do, just the simple relationship between the context, response, and outcome.

How is your behavior providing a desired outcome in your current context?

There are two general ways to explain how your context is motivating you to use a particular behavior.
Each option here is applied to phone use for the example.

To Obtain Something

• Obtain social connectedness. Sharing a laugh on social media, text/call a friend
• Obtain stimulation. Feeling tired and needing to wake up (listening to a podcast or music)
• Obtain focus. Feeling restless and wanting to focus (reading an article that interests you)
• Obtain information. Browser search to answer a question, using apps that teach

To Escape/Avoid Something

• Escape boredom. Feeling bored and needing to kill time while you wait for something to begin (games, discussion threads)
• Avoid attention. Looking at your phone to avoid eye contact, like on a bus or during a meeting
• Escape a situation. Feeling bad and wanting to feel better so you look at pictures or video call a loved one (or mindless scrolling, which serves the same function but not as effectively)
• Avoid a situation. Looking up directions so you don’t get lost this time

Eating is a tool with many different functions.

Yes. Eating is a single behavior with many contexts that will determine its purpose. Likewise, the contexts in which eating behavior occurs also have other response options. Once the various contexts for eating behavior are recognized, the pattern may be effectively changed using the strategies of behavior analysis.

The contextual analysis of behaviors that promote weight loss takes a deeper dive in the No Weigh App content called The Hows.

Are you ready for something different?