Neuroplasticity.
Behavioural engineering relies largely on the principle of neuroplasticity: the brain's ability to form new neural pathways and reorganise existing ones. When we learn, the brain forms connections between neurons and forms the pathways which allow thoughts and behavioural processes to become automatic over time. This is useful in terms of reducing the cognitive load on our conscious brain (things we do every day become automated so we don't have to consciously think about every tiny decision) but not so great in terms of unwanted thoughts and habits (it's pretty unhelpful when negative thoughts and behaviours become automatic).
Neuroplasticity means that, through evidence-based learning techniques, we can purposefully rewire unhelpful neuronal pathways in order to replace negative habits with more useful ones.
Once thought to occur exclusively during childhood, researchers have shown that neuroplasticity persists through adulthood.
Automation.
Whilst acknowledging the importance of the conscious mind, behavioural engineering places a relatively heavy emphasis on the automatic processing system in the human brain. Conscious processing refers to decisions which occur with conscious awareness, those that are purposeful and deliberate. Implicit or automatic processing is responsible for habitual behaviours; those which have become so automatic we can perform them without thinking. Research has shown that a large proportion of our 'decisions' are automated and occur outside of our conscious control. This means that without a strong education in how to work with and alter implicit behavioural routines, it is extraordinarily difficult to change.
Behavioural engineering focuses on bypassing the need for self-discipline, by automating the behaviours that usually demand willpower.
Much of the difficulty in changing unwanted behaviours arises because these behaviours have becomes so automatic they have become our default response. This means we often perform these behaviours without even thinking about them, and even when we try to consciously resist them, it feels quite difficult and uncomfortable.
Non-judgement.
Behavioural engineering emphasises the importance of the objective analysis of behaviour. This means observing the behaviour as a scientist would; recording only the facts, without personal judgement.
Although the staggering role of automated decisions in behaviour is well-documented, throughout both the psychological and self-help literature, there is often a disproportionately heavy emphasis on the ability to change through sheer conscious willpower. Whilst acknowledging the power of personal responsibility is important for obvious reasons, it can also serve to create blame and shame.
By failing to acknowledge the huge role automatic processing (behaviours we have little control over) we place huge amounts of responsibility and blame on the individual for their inability to change.
In behavioural analysis we look at the causes and effects of behaviours, without placing blame on the individual for these automatic (and quite natural) processes.
Individual Agency.
Behavioural engineering focuses on empowering the individual through client-centred goals and psychoeducation. A client-centred approach to goal-setting means we refrain from telling clients which kinds of goals they should focus on. Whilst making money, losing weight may be important to one client, another may place greater value on achieving a minimalist lifestyle or a more harmonious family life. Behavioural engineering is about teaching techniques to help people achieve the goals they choose for themselves. rather than instructing clients on how they should live.
Psychoeducation refers to providing people with information about how their brains work, and evidence-based techniques for change.
Behavioural engineering is about empowering individuals with knowledge,
that they can then apply themselves to a wide range of issues, rather than creating a dependency requiring them to seek our help every time a new issue may arise in the future.
Sustainable change.
We're all familiar with the allure of 'quick fix' strategies that promise to have us "lose ten pounds in one week" or "build a six-figure income in six months".
While the 'quick fix' approach sells, it is both misleading and unethical.
While having a clear and evidence-based approach means many people will start to see positive changes quite quickly, complete and sustainable behaviour change takes times.
The kinds of unhelpful behaviours that make it difficult for people to get control of things like their health and finances, stick to study or work routines, communicate effectively in relationships and so on, generally take months or years to form and become deeply ingrained. As profitable as it would be to tell people you can completely reverse these habits in 21 days or less, it simply isn't the case. Behavioural engineering focuses on building long-term sustainable changes that can be applied to a broad range of present and future behaviours.
