Association for Behavior Analysis International

The mission of Behaviorists for Social Responsibility Special Interest Group (BFSR SIG) is to expand applications of behavior analysis and cultural analysis addressing global issues such as social justice, environmental justice, and human rights. For the past several years BFSR has been using a matrix analysis (Biglan, 1995; Mattaini, 2013) to identify the practices that support, oppose, motivate, and select the development and utilization of scientific behavioral systems to address social issues. Upon identifying 28 societal sectors, work groups comprised of SIG members have been applying the matrix analyses to various issues of social importance. The symposium aims to highlight the work of two of those work groups, the Public Health Work Group, and the Public Policy Work Group. Each of these presentations will provide an update on recent actions taken by each work group as members carry out the mission of the BFSR SIG and the matrix project. Implications and future directions will be discussed.

A basic understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of behavior analysis (i.e., principles of reinforcement) would support audience members in understanding the content discussed in this presentation. Additionally, while it is not required to understand, some knowledge of the Behaviorists for Social Responsibilities Matrix Analysis may be beneficial.

The purpose of the Behaviorists for Social Responsibility (BFSR) Public Health Work Group is to explore the intersection between behavioral science and public health. This Work Group explores the ways in which behavioral and public health scientists can collaborate and learn from one another to develop strategies that improve population level outcomes. Previous work by the Work Group includes creating a fact sheet for public health as an ABA subspeciality area for the BACB website, presenting posters and symposium at the ABAI’s Annual Convention, and developing a special section on human behavior and public health for Behavior and Social Issues. Currently, the group is collaborating with other BFSR chapters to facilitate communication and create learning opportunities, identifying faculty who may provide opportunities for students to work in public health areas, building a comprehensive database that contains information on behavioral friendly public health programs, highlighting people who are working in both public health and behavior analysis, listing language that is necessary to work in both areas, and creating panels and posters for behavior analytic conferences.

The Behaviorists for Social Responsibility (BFSR) recently established the Public Policy Work Group to strengthen the role and influence of behavioral science and practice in public policy, and facilitate large-scale social change. This group aims to collaborate with key stakeholders and promote policy engagement, thereby increasing the visibility and impact of behavior analysis on pressing societal issues. Since its formation at ABAI in 2024, the group has connected with other ABAI-affiliated public policy organizations, expanded its membership, and launched subcommittees focused on specific policy areas such as education and healthcare. Additionally, efforts are to cultivate relationships with government officials and lobbyists to further its mission. This presentation will provide an overview of the Public Policy Work Group’s establishment, highlighting its current goals and outlining future directions for fostering greater involvement of behavioral science in public policy initiates. Ultimately, the group aims to establish behavioral science as a vital resource in addressing complex social challenges.