The “intention behavior gap”theory is a valuable and gargantuan clinical theory for use
in the clinic and with numerous different people, clients and representaions or people. Without
this knowledge or the written articles on this theory, one essentially would be barred without
the “contrivance” of the psychological tool to succeed with only psychology and even in
treatment, design or rehabilitation. The idea of having a gap between intention and behavior
seems simple, but not so much when one is “narrow” the complexity of their intention in health
and treatment. (Brannon, Updegraff, Feist, 2017)
The theory thus becomes much more elaborate when we include the idea of introducing
the theory (and relevant applications) with people that are suffering major disorders or
debilitating diseases or major dysfunctions in their life or health. Yes, it is commonsense to say
“do it, and it is done”, but the other end to this is to look at the complexity involved with a goal
that may take a decade or more to accomplish, or a goal that is not reachable by just one
movement. Where the theory is not simple is introducing that this theory is a function of
“problem” and perhaps also of application. The interesting thing about this psychological tool is
it is a “negative”, it is something that is not applicable, but it is something that applications can
be based on. The theory could possibly best be appreciated as an “identification of a measurable
form of navigating treatment”. I.e. for every choice we make we can be closer or further from
our furthest goals, simply by admitting that there can be a gap between what we need and what
we think we need.
The “intention behavior gap” is a need be to be placed within therapy, rehabilitation,
treatment and especially the ideation of succeeding over some psychological dysfunctions such
as the extremity of PTSD, of addiction, of bad marriages, or marriage problems, and also that of
eating disorders, sexual problems, social problems, and problems of dysfunction, perhaps
numerous psychiatric disorders, or betterment in general. The tool of the “intention behavior
gap” on a scale of the entire philosophy of psychology may unconsciously explain the “placebo
effect”. Thus this theory connects the two functions of physical and mental challenges by the
unit of action. The theory explains one potential connection between psychogenesis and
physiology within health, because of psychology. (Brannon, Updegraff, Feist, 2017)
Thus, by knowing what one wants and needs, and having a plan, an intention and the
psychological and physical adherence to get there, one has a contrived advantage over the idea
of temptation and/or default thought. This strategy is perhaps one of the most “flawless” forms
of filters within psychology.
The “intention behavior gap” explains that between two people the one that has the
most “behavioral adherence to their vision and psychology” rather than the one who has the
most “behavioral willingness” will most likely come out closer to their goal. The inheritable
advantage that comes with the “intention behavior gap” is relevant by using psychology and the
faculty of mindset, as a tool of “building” a life built on strategy, philosophy, design, organization
of sacrifice and permanent transactions towards optimal health. (Brannon, Updegraff, Feist,
2017)
The place of the “intention behavior gap” is a quick subject within the book, as the book
only covers the theory or heuristic for about two pages, but the theory quickly concludes into
another prime filter within the medicine of psychology of the “implementational intentions”,
which is the idea of exacting thoughts into movements to accomplish goals. (Brannon,
Updegraff, Feist, 2017)
By: Jacob Stotler
Resources
Brannon L., Updegraff, J., Feist, J. (2017). Health Psychology: An introduction to Behavior and
Health Ninth Edition. Cengage Publishing, Boston, MA. ISBN: 978-1-337-09464-1 .
