Behavioral activation
Behavioral activation is a method of improving mood by planning and implementing valuable activities despite a lack of motivation.
Definition
Behavioral activation is an approach used especially in working with low mood and depression. It is based on the assumption that avoidance and withdrawal limit contact with positive reinforcement, and this may maintain the decline in mood. The method involves monitoring activity and mood, planning small actions consistent with values and gradually rebuilding contact with what is important and strengthening.
Key ideas
Missing key ideas.
Practice and life
Set up a weekly plan with three categories: duty, pleasure and contact with people. Each day, plan one very small activity from at least one category and note your mood before and after the activity.
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to create too ambitious plans and evaluate the method after a few days. A common mistake is to skip monitoring your mood and assume that you need strong motivation first.
Questions for self-reflection
No questions for self-reflection.
Sources
No sources.