Facilitating health behavior change

Abstract

Behavior change lies at the core of lifestyle medicine. A primary care provider’s understanding of behavior change theories and strategies empowers them to utilize clinical encounters as opportunities to facilitate patients’ improvement of their health and well-being. Significant health behavior change is possible via epiphanous (large change) or small habit adoption. This chapter comprehensively reviews change theories, focusing on initiating behavior change to prevent and treat chronic conditions. The theories reviewed include the Trans-Theoretical Model of Change, Goal Setting Theory, and Positive Psychology. The chapter also outlines the essential skills needed to initiate and sustain behavior change strategies, such as motivational interviewing, appreciative inquiry, and SMART goal setting. Clinical cases will be used to demonstrate how these practices can be integrated into the challenging environment of a primary care practice. Additionally, a practical five-step cycle will be outlined, which clinicians can quickly implement in their clinical encounters.