Knowledge is power. As an academic, I acquire information, facts, recommendations, and study protocols related to healthy behavior change. As a behavior analyst, I am part of a group that hinges interventions on social validity.
Socially valid behavior change requires that behavior change agents (me) design, introduce, and evaluate strategies that the consumer approves.
No sense in intervening on a target that the client doesn’t want to change…
The client gives me the green light.
Client-directed services
A client signs up for services and wants to improve some fitness behavior. The client brings her knowledge of facts, health recommendations, and experiences with a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle. She knows what she wants.
The Dance
Both the client and coach agree on one thing, “Let’s get those exercise minutes up!”
The client trusts me to create individualized programming based on my body of knowledge, the possibilities, and what she requests.
Full trust required.
We check-off goals, move on to the next one, all the while knowing behavioral principles are at play.
The Challenge
At what point do new targets and strategies enter into fitness jurisdiction? If I knowingly have the answer to every client request, she is happy. Fine and dandy.
Updating current goals is one thing. Addressing new areas of change is another.
I often have new and different knowledge that has the power to change her life.
- What responsibility do I have?
- Do I introduce this knowledge?
- At what point is it my responsibility to inform of potential harms?
- What does the mini cost-benefit analysis tell me?
- Do I have the right to introduce change knowing that certain behavioral principles are at play?
The Responsibility
Behavior analysis is powerful. Identifying variables and reasons that people move more unveil themselves haphazardly or not at all.
- Do I push a client towards reinforcer A?
- Do I avoid the recommendation of reinforcer B?
- Does a new punisher present itself and go unnoticed?
- Does other reinforcement trap (sitting in the coach all weekend) compete with all other analytical recommendations?
Watch the traffic light
Most times client’s give me the green light to recommend, advise, and analyze their progress. As the coaching-client relationship evolves, I monitor yellow lights (stalled progress) and red lights (new medical concern).
My responsibility to the client is to watch the traffic light.
