Association for Behavior Analysis International

Empirical literature is the basis for providing information to the population about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics. Recently, behavior analytic journals have seen more calls to action for additional experimental studies addressing DEI in practice (Conine et al., 2021). The present study is a systematic Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) scoping review to identify DEI literature in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, and Behavior and Social Issues. The current study identifies common terms that populate DEI literature, evaluates existing experimental DEI studies using What Works Clearinghouse Criteria (WWC), and delivers recommendations for what is needed to further DEI literature in behavior analysis. Preliminary results have identified overlapping technical Applied Behavior Analysis terminology with DEI terms and few experimental studies evaluating methods of increasing DEI in practice. Revising and clarifying terms can facilitate both research and dissemination of DEI studies. The authors will propose guidelines for selecting and using terminology for clear and precise communication of DEI versus other Applied Behavior Analysis topics.

Overweight and obesity are health issues that have been a topic of both basic and applied research for over 50 years. There are a multitude of health conditions that are affected by the health choices. Unfortunately, millions of people across the world still make unhealthy choices, particularly when considering food choices. The industry for weight loss is astronomically large, yet overweight and obesity rates continue to rise despite the countless programs that promise results. Standard behavioral treatment for weight loss includes reduced caloric intake, increased physical exercise, and training in behavioral strategies. The types of behavior strategies used in research have included self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, stimulus control, and goal setting, to name a few. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted to evaluate weight loss, the behavior strategies used to achieve weight loss goals are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of self-monitoring and virtual social interaction on weight loss and improved health outcomes.