Glossary B

Glossary B

Behavioral bliss point approach refers to the theory that an organism with free access to alternative activities will distribute its behavior in such a way as to maximize overall reinforcement.

Behavioral comparisons phase refers to the tendency to form impressions of others by comparing and contrasting their overt behaviors.

Behavioral confirmation is a type of self -fulfilling prophecy whereby people's social expectations lead them to act in ways that cause others to confirm their expectations.

Behavioral confirmation effect refers to the result that occurs when an individual's expectations about another person lead him or her to act in ways that confirm his or her expectancies.

Behavioral contract refers to a formal agreement stating behaviors to be changed and consequences that apply. It is a written agreement outlining a promise to adhere to the contingencies of a behavior modification program.

Behavioral contrast refers to a pattern of responding in which an organism seems to evaluate a reward relative to other rewards that are available or that have been available recently.

Behavioral control refers to a belief that one has available responses that can affect health status or the experience of stress

Behavioral cueing refer to certain events, situations, people, locations, which act as stimuli that result in behaviors conditioned to be associated with them. When a smoker always smokes in his or her car, the car is a signal to the smoker’s body that nicotine is coming and makes smoking more likely.