ABSTRACT
The primary aim of behavioral intervention is to alter patterns of behavior. Behavioral intervention is based on the premise that the management and prevention of some medical and medically related disorders can be consciously controlled by the individual. Self-monitoring entails the observation by the individual of explicit behaviors. The patient is initially asked to keep a diary of behaviors relating to the focal problem defined in operational terms by the patient and health care professional. Goal specification is designed to facilitate self-regulation. It requires precise specification of goals and the means used to attain these goals. Cueing strategies focus on the relationship between stimulus and response. Systematic practice of a response helps to reduce the anxiety that may be initially associated with the response. In rehearsal, the tasks to be practiced are arranged in order of increasing difficulty by the health care professional and patient.
