Behavior and behavior mechanisms denote the observable actions of an organism together with the underlying processes that generate, regulate, and modify those actions. Behaviour is the response of an individual to internal states and external stimuli, while behaviour mechanisms encompass the perceptual, cognitive, m…
Behavior and behavior mechanisms denote the observable actions of an organism together with the underlying processes that generate, regulate, and modify those actions. Behaviour is the response of an individual to internal states and external stimuli, while behaviour mechanisms encompass the perceptual, cognitive, motivational, neurobiological, and learning processes that determine how such responses are produced and controlled. Core mechanisms include conditioning and reinforcement, attention and impulse control, self-regulation, and the physiological signalling that links bodily states to action. In human and clinical contexts, these principles underpin the study of behaviour change, including how self-monitoring functions within self-management and adaptive change, how traits such as impulsivity and attention-deficit characteristics shape decision-making and risk-taking, and how individuals adopt health-oriented or environmentally responsible behaviours. Research draws on psychology, behavioural therapy, and neuroscience, examining both the maintenance of maladaptive patterns and the strategies that promote durable change. Comparative and ecological perspectives extend the concept to non-human animals, where behaviour reflects adaptation to environmental pressures. By analysing the determinants and modifiability of behaviour, this field supports interventions in mental health, behavioural medicine, and education, and provides a framework for understanding how measurement, feedback, and reinforcement can be used to encourage beneficial behaviour and reduce harmful patterns.
5 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 5 articles above have been cited 39 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms, linking to each citing work.