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Operant Conditioning01:21

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
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One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
Behavior Modification01:21

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
04:48

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Published on: May 8, 2018

Using positive deviance for determining successful weight-control practices.

Heather L Stuckey1, Jarol Boan, Jennifer L Kraschnewski

  • 1Department of Medicine, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA. hstuckey@hmc.psu.edu

Qualitative Health Research
|October 20, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Successful weight loss involves consistent nutrition, regular exercise, food restraint, self-monitoring, and strong motivation. These positive deviance strategies offer insights for effective long-term weight control interventions.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
04:48

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Published on: May 8, 2018

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice
07:07

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice

Published on: June 5, 2016

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Science
  • Nutrition Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Long-term weight loss maintenance is a significant public health challenge.
  • Understanding the successful strategies of individuals who achieve sustained weight control is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and categorize the key practices and cognitive strategies employed by individuals who have successfully maintained long-term weight loss.
  • To utilize the positive deviance approach to uncover effective weight control behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted in-depth interviews with 61 individuals successful in long-term weight control.
  • Applied the positive deviance methodology to analyze 36 identified weight control strategies.
  • Identified five primary themes encompassing nutrition, physical activity, restraint, self-monitoring, and motivation.

Main Results:

  • Key nutrition practices include increased water, fruit, and vegetable intake, with consistent meal timing and content.
  • Successful individuals engage in regular physical activity (≥3x/week) and practice restraint by limiting unhealthy foods.
  • Self-monitoring through meal planning and tracking progress, alongside motivational programs and cognitive strategies, are vital for sustained weight control.

Conclusions:

  • Positive deviance reveals five core themes crucial for long-term weight control: nutrition, physical activity, restraint, self-monitoring, and motivation.
  • These identified practices provide a foundation for developing comprehensive and effective weight management interventions.
  • The study highlights the multifaceted nature of successful weight loss maintenance, integrating behavioral, dietary, and psychological components.