Behavioral change: from neurobiology to behavioral-change theories and back - part 1

Behavioral change remains challenging despite a vast body of evidence linking health behaviors with several health outcomes. Over the past few decades, various health-behavior change theories and techniques have emerged, leading to significant advances in the field. However, although some existing theories provide competent models to structure behavioral-change approaches, they do not provide a unified neurobiological foundation.

To outline the connections between neuroscientific foundations and behavioral-change theories and to provide an overarching neuroscientific perspective.

We conducted a structured narrative review based on data retrieved from major biomedical databases and authoritative neuroscience textbooks to integrate neuroscience data with behavioral-change theories.

We describe the neuroscience of behavior from neuroanatomical to neurophysiological mechanisms, emphasizing four brain systems: the hypothalamus, the amygdala, the mesocorticolimbic system, and the prefrontal cortex. Finally, we integrate these mechanisms with a neuroscience-based motivational theory called the Behavior Change Resource Model.

The present work integrates established neurobiological knowledge and behavioral-change theories, providing a framework to link theory and health-behavior interventions.