Easier Said Than Done
The Behavior Change Experience
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21634649 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Vanessa Morris (0000-0002-0077-428X, University of New Brunswick Saint John, corresponding author), Jodi Martin (0000-0002-1511-3329, York University), Ayla Sadeghi (University of Toronto), Roisin M O’connor (0000-0003-2455-983X, Concordia University), Matthew T Keough (0000-0001-8567-2874, York University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 426-440 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Experiential Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1053-8259 • E-ISSN: 2169-009X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/10538259251397888 |
| OpenAlex | W4416748315 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 22 |
Background Experiential learning activities have demonstrated superior learning outcomes for students in addiction psychology courses. In this project, we asked students to select a behavior they would like to change and to actively work to reduce it throughout the semester. Students were asked to submit an assignment detailing their experiences with the behavior change process. Purpose We aimed to examine if this experiential learning activity would provide students with an opportunity to recognize course concepts reflected in their lives and behaviors. Method Twenty-two students agreed to have their assignments analyzed and to complete a post-experience survey. Survey responses were examined using descriptive analyses, and student assignments underwent thematic analysis. Findings Descriptive analyses of survey responses from students appeared favorable toward the assignment. Thematic analysis of the assignments revealed three major themes: recognizing course concepts, managing and contending , barriers and conflicts . Implications Findings from the current project highlight the value of experiential learning in situations where student understanding is best achieved through active, personal engagement with the topic, rather than through lecture-based instructional methods
Attitude change · Behavior change · Descriptive statistics · Experiential education · Experiential learning · Student engagement · Thematic analysis · Film in Education and Therapy · Innovative Teaching Methodologies in Social Sciences · Management and Marketing Education
Measuring actual learning versus feeling of learning in response to being actively engaged in the classroom
Effect of active learning versus traditional lecturing on the learning achievement of college students in humanities and social sciences
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Teaching Social Workers About Substance Use Problems via Temporary Abstinence from Normal Mood-Altering Behavior
University and Community Collaboration
| Highly cited | No |
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