Behavioral Health—Closing the Gap Between Research and Practice

If we know (and we do) that information alone will not change behavior, why don't we invest more in behavior change interventions that can improve health?

In the inaugural issue of TBM, a new journal of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Bonnie Spring, PhD, Professor of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, provides the answer: Lack of communication among researchers, healthcare providers and policy makers and, less surprisingly, a double standard that applies to investment in the treatment of illness versus health promotion.

In her call to action, Dr. Spring describes the role of unhealthy behavior, depression, and work-related stress in causing chronic illness. Nearly 50% of adults in the U.S. live with at least one chronic condition and those conditions account for 75% of healthcare costs. By eliminating these risk factors it is estimated that at least 80% of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and 40% of cancers could be prevented.

TBM's mission is to "engage, inform, and catalyze dialogue between the research, practice, and policy communities" by bringing actionable science to healthcare providers and prompting debate on policy issues. TMB's vision is to "lead the translation of behavioral science findings to improve patient and population outcomes."


Most articles will include a "Implications" box that highlights key takeaways for clinicians, researchers, and policy makers. You can read the journal online at http://tbmjournalonline.com/