The Choice Point in Behavior Management

What is the importance of having a choice? Do choices reflect our freedom and independence? Are our actions based on our choices? In behavior management, a “choice point” refers to the moment when a person can either act in accordance with their values or against their morals. The decision often occurs in a split second, with the most immediate opportunity taking precedence. However, the goal of the action is to create consistency between priorities and options. Values that align with a person’s thoughts and beliefs become guiding principles, while inconsistent values become afterthoughts. For example, within any religion, a person’s thoughts, values, morals, and ethics should align with their higher power. Furthermore, the person commits to the cause and centers their actions around those past and present values.

A person can also believe that a choice point highlights the act of making better life decisions. However, the context of these decisions can have long-term effects. Another example is how someone reacts to a stressful situation and then employs the concept of the “fight or flight” response. The decision to fight the stressor may be an uncommon or inconsistent response beforehand, but within that “split-second,” the result fosters confidence. Consequently, choosing to flee from the stressor might initially appear as a cowardly act based on the outcome. Still, a strategic stance could give the person time to consider an alternative way to handle the stressor. It is important to note that there are no strictly right or wrong answers when it comes to fight or flight, but the choice will define the person.

Psychologically, the choice point theory can create stress and anxiety, leading to depression, mania, or psychosis. An average person can have from 6,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day, depending on habits or repetition; therefore, those split-second decisions are precious and have to be executed carefully. Afterward, the choice will establish resilience and flexibility, then promote healthy habits, attainable goals, and motivation for a better life. Choice points are also one of the main components used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that emphasizes the use of motivational thoughts and feelings to lead to a purposeful life. The action also highlights self-awareness and self-reflection, allowing a person to learn from past mistakes.

Which of your current behaviors can lead to a positive outcome? Which can lead to a negative consequence? These questions are relevant to substance use and addiction, where a person can lose control of their primary thoughts, and their choices evolve into habits or dependence. Another similarity appears when someone struggles with weight loss or proper nutrition. Society teaches that adopting a healthy lifestyle will lead to a prosperous life, but with more options available, choices become more complex. The best way to approach choice point theory in behavior management is to simplify decisions and let experience guide the results. Without this approach, the choice may become irrelevant, and another mistake might be dismissed without consideration.