The Center for Health Behavior Research & Innovation (CHB) conducts cutting-edge research across a wide spectrum of areas related to health behaviors, mental and physical health conditions, and complex populations. Diverse methodologies are employed to advance understanding and develop innovative interventions that promote health and well-being.
Health Behaviors
A variety of health behaviors critical to preventing disease and promoting health, as well as factors influencing these behaviors, are investigated by CHB affiliates. Example focus areas include:
Substance Use & Addiction
Investigating risk factors, mechanisms, prevention strategies, and treatments for substance use and substance-related disorders, including:
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Nicotine/Tobacco
- Cannabis
- Prescribed Medications
Lifestyle Behaviors
Examining how lifestyle behaviors affect overall health and the management of chronic diseases, including:
- Diet and Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Sleep
- Stress Management
- Sedentary Behavior
- Mindfulness and Mental Well-being
Adherence and Preventive Health
Investigating factors that influence adherence to medical regimens and the uptake of preventive health services, including:
- Medication and Mental Health Treatment Adherence
- Screening and Vaccination
- Sexual Health
- Health Literacy
- Patient-Provider Communication
Mental and Physical Health Conditions
Research conducted by CHB affiliates explores the interplay between health behaviors and various mental and physical health conditions, including:
- Stress
- Trauma
- Anxiety and Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obesity
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic Pain
- Diabetes
- Infectious Diseases
Complex Populations and Health Disparities
CHB is committed to promoting health equity by focusing on complex populations that experience health disparities, including:
- Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
- Indigenous Populations
- People with Lower Socioeconomic Status (SES)
- Underserved Rural Communities
- Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Groups
- People with Disabilities
- Military Veterans
- Older Adults
- People Experiencing Homelessness
- Incarcerated or Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Collectively, this work aims to identify and address psychosocial determinants contributing to health disparities; develop culturally relevant interventions to reduce these disparities; and empower communities through engagement and participatory research approaches.
Methods and Approaches
CHB affiliates employ a diverse array of empirical methods and innovative approaches, including:
- Experimental Designs and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
- Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)
- Qualitative and Mixed Methods
- Psychophysiological Assessment
- Application of Emerging Technologies (e.g., biometric monitoring, mobile intervention delivery, virtual reality)
- Precision Health and Personalized Approaches
- Personalized Feedback Interventions (PFIs)
- Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs)
- Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Interdisciplinary Fields of Study
CHB’s interdisciplinary approach draws from a variety of fields that contribute to the understanding and advancement of health behavior research. By integrating perspectives from these areas, we enhance our ability to address complex health behaviors and improve health outcomes.
- Psychology (Clinical, Cognitive, Social, Health)
- Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
- Communication Sciences
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Epidemiology
- Policy Studies
Funding and Collaborations
Research conducted by CHB affiliates is supported by numerous funding agencies and collaborative partnerships, including:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- American Heart Association (AHA)
- Private Foundations and Other External Funding Sources