Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action

How do we define health? What social and behavioral factors contribute to health outcomes? How can we apply some of the key theories of behavior change to improve our nutritional, physical, and mental health?

How does our diet affect our health? What are some effective interventions for improving our dietary choices?

How do we define obesity? What role does personal responsibility play in nutritional health? How does food marketing affect our dietary choices?

What are the health benefits of exercise? Why is it difficult to measure physical activity levels? How can we encourage more active lifestyles?

What factors contribute to regular physical activity? Why is it important for older adults to have active lifestyles? What works and doesn't work when it comes to physical activity promotion?

How prevalent are mental disorders? What is the impact of depression on both the individual and on society? What are some effective treatments for depression?

Can positive affect impact health? How can we diagnose and treat anxiety disorders? What role does stress play in our overall health?

What happens when students undergo behavior change experiments? What can we learn from the research findings? This course, Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action, has provided an introduction to behavioral theory, as it pertains to health and health care delivery. We explored the social and behavioral factors that contribute to health decisions and behaviors across three domains: nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. Most importantly, we engaged in personal behavior change projects that helped us understand the challenges in promoting and sustaining long-term behavior change at both the individual and global levels.