Applications of social psychology to increase the impact of behaviour-focused intervention

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511801921.003

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3 - Applications of social psychology to increase the impact of behaviour-focused intervention

Philip K. Lehman and

E. Scott Geller

Edited by

Linda Steg ,

Abraham P. Buunk and

Talib Rothengatter

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Philip K. Lehman: Affiliation:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
E. Scott Geller: Affiliation:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Linda Steg: Affiliation:
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, The Netherlands
Abraham P. Buunk: Affiliation:
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, The Netherlands
Talib Rothengatter: Affiliation:
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, The Netherlands

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Summary

Introduction

Watching the evening news on any given night should assure you applied social psychologists have plenty of work to do. Societal problems abound. Epidemics such as HIV and obesity, violence and drugs in schools, wars, traffic fatalities and environmental degradation pose significant economic consequences, as well as devastating costs in terms of human suffering and loss of life. Although human behaviour contributes to each of these societal problems, human behaviour can also be a critical part of the solution. As experts in the development and evaluation of behaviour-focused interventions, behaviour analysts and social psychologists are uniquely equipped to tackle these problems and make a difference in improving the quality of life on our planet.

The aim of this chapter is to provide you with an overview of techniques used for large-scale behaviour-based intervention. When it comes to applying psychological principles to change behaviour on a large scale, behaviour analysts have been at the forefront. We therefore begin by describing some of the fundamental assumptions of a behaviour-analysis approach to intervention design and evaluation. Next, we outline six intervention techniques which have been successfully used by behaviour analysts to change behaviours in beneficial ways. Finally, we outline six social-psychological principles which can serve to enhance the impact of these interventions. When you finish reading this chapter, you will understand the principles and procedures of a variety of interventions which can be used to improve relevant human behaviour.

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Type: Chapter
Information: Applied Social Psychology
Understanding and Managing Social Problems
, pp. 57 - 86

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511801921.003 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2008

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