Item: Reducing Risky Behaviors: Applying Theories of Behavioral Change to Avalanche Education
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Title: Reducing Risky Behaviors: Applying Theories of Behavioral Change to Avalanche Education
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Neil S. Geisler [ Santiam Pass Ski Patrol, Portland, OR, USA ]
- Karl R. Geisler [ New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Avalanche course curriculum tends to focus on three main areas: the technical and observable underpinnings of avalanche formation and release, decision-making, and rescue skills. The most difficult of these areas to quantify, decision-making, can be challenging precisely because individuals perceive risk differently. Avalanche education from the classroom level to wider public-service campaigns can benefit from knowledge of behavioral health theories as they relate to improving the comprehension of risk-taking behaviors. Drawing from the field of public health, behavioral change theories seek a process-oriented approach to understanding health behaviors as a basis for developing more effective ways to influence and change behavior. In relation to avalanche education, behavioral change theories can be applied to mitigation of risk-taking behaviors. By incorporating this approach, behavioral change theory can aid both educators and individuals by offering a framework for further understanding the basis of risk-taking behavior and providing additional tools to help influence behavioral choices and attitudes as they pertain to the decision-making process.
Object ID: ISSW16_P3.34.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: avalanche education, human factors, decision making, risk, behavior change
Page Number(s): 1079-1083
Subjects: avalanche risk avalanche detection decision making and human factors
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