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Behavior Modification: Daily Water Intake
Teles Ribeiro
Liberty University
PSYC320: Behavior Modification
Dr. Kevin Conner
Apr. 6, 2024
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Introduction
The foundation of this research paper centers on examining the daily water consumption
behavior of an individual.
Subsequent to this, peer-reviewed literature will elucidate Token Economy as an effective
intervention for altering targeted behaviors. Water, being essential for sustenance, profoundly
influences various facets of human existence, encompassing physiological well-being. Regular
water intake serves as a strategic approach to enhancing bodily functions such as weight
management, cognitive enhancement, and fatigue alleviation. It has been observed that attitudes
and moods play pivotal roles in determining one's daily water intake. Research indicates a
significant correlation between unfavorable attitudes/beliefs regarding food and health and
decreased water consumption (Goodman et al., 2007, p. 3). Furthermore, an overview of token
economies as a treatment modality is provided. Token economy, recognized as an efficacious
intervention, operates by reinforcing desired behaviors or discouraging undesirable ones through
token rewards. Tokens, dispensed immediately following a desirable behavior, are accumulated
and later exchanged for tangible incentives (Miltenberger, 2015, p. 449). Findings from the
investigation conducted by Whitman & Dessault (1976) underscore the transformative potential
of token procedures in behavior modification. Their study suggests that individuals seeking
behavioral change can acquire self-regulation skills without reliance on traditional therapy
settings (Whitman & Dessault, 1976, p. 161). This paper lays the groundwork and will contribute
to the scientific inquiry into self-implemented behavior modification, with a focus on a 33-year-
old male college student and a Project Manager.
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Daily Water Consumption as Behavior Modification
Water holds a foundational role in society, serving as the primary source of hydration for
humans over countless years. Its indispensable nature is underscored by its significance to life
itself, comprising a substantial portion, ranging from 60% to 80%, of the human body (Masento
et al., 2014). At a cellular level, water's importance is further evident, with human blood
containing over 90% water content (Starr et al., 2017, p.20).
The objective of this study is to address the behavioral deficit concerning daily water
consumption in the participant through behavioral modification techniques. Consumption, in this
context, refers to the oral ingestion of bottled water, commonly referred to as drinking water,
with each instance involving the consumption of a full bottle (16 oz.) within 1-hour intervals
daily, specifically between the hours of 7 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Considering the
participant's weight, successful completion would entail the consumption of a total of 140 ounces
of water per day. The target behavior aims to elevate daily water consumption to four bottles
within the designated time frame.
The participant selected for this study will be a 33-year-old male college student and a
Project Manager, with access to bottled water readily available on a daily basis. The baseline
phase of the experiment will reveal a behavioral deficit in water intake. The study's purpose is to
address and enhance this deficit through the implementation of appropriate interventions.
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The choice of participant is motivated by the necessity to augment daily water intake,
primarily as a strategy for managing energy intake and facilitating weight loss or maintenance
(Goodman et al., 2007, p.1). Additionally, adequate water consumption offers a myriad of health
benefits, including facilitating proper digestion, regulating metabolism, controlling body
temperature, and enhancing circulation. Notably, individuals who consume sufficient water
intake approximately 200 fewer calories per day.
Furthermore, individuals who consume adequate water intake are inclined to consume
more fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber while reducing their intake of sugar-sweetened
beverages and added sugars, resulting in a less energy-dense diet compared to non-consumers of
water (Akers et al., 2012, p. 685). Increasing daily water intake through behavioral modification
not only holds short-term desirability but also promotes long-term health benefits for the
participant. Initiating healthy lifestyle changes can commence at any point, emphasizing the
notion that it's never too late to make a change.
Section I: Research on the Target Behavior
The significance of studying water intake persists, given its crucial role in maintaining
proper bodily functions. Researchers have undertaken endeavors to comprehend the factors
contributing to behavioral deficits in water consumption and their implications.
Recognizing water's indispensability for life and its status as a low-calorie beverage
option, Goodman, Blanck, Sherry, Park, Nebeling, & Yaroch (2007) embarked on investigating
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the characteristics of individuals exhibiting low water consumption. Their aim was to scrutinize
the behaviors and attitudes of participants. In their study, a sample of 3,397 US adults completed
the National Cancer Institute’s 2007 Food Attitudes and Behaviors (FAB) Survey. The findings
unveiled associations between low drinking water intake and factors such as age, region of
residence, as well as various unhealthy behaviors and attitudes (Goodman et al., 2007). The
results delineated adults into categories based on their daily water consumption: those with no
daily intake (7%), those consuming 1 to 3 cups (36%), those consuming 4 to 7 cups (35%), and
those consuming 8 cups or more (22%). Notably, the data aligned with previous findings
indicating that American adults typically consume 4.3 cups of water per day. The study identified
decreased levels of physical activity and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake among the
observed unhealthy behaviors. These insights serve as valuable tools to target and promote
healthier choices among individuals and communities alike.
Stookey, Constant, Popkin, & Gardner (2008) delved into the connection between water
consumption and long-term weight loss in participants. They analyzed data from the Stanford A
TO Z Weight Loss Intervention, focusing on 173 premenopausal overweight women aged
between 25 and 50 years who reported consuming less than 1 liter of water per day at baseline
(Stookey et al., 2008, p. 2481). Over a span of 12 months, factors such as diet, physical activity,
body weight, body fat, and waist circumference were measured at intervals of 2, 6, and 12
months. Beverage intake, including water, was monitored discreetly throughout. The results
revealed a significant correlation between increased water consumption and reductions in body
weight, including fat.
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Armstrong, Ganio, Casa, Lee, McDermott, Klau, & Lieberman (2012) investigated the
impact of mild dehydration on mood. Their study involved 25 females with an average age of 26
years. Data regarding mood, task difficulty perception, concentration levels, and headache
symptoms were collected using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. The researchers found
that a 1.36% dehydration level in females led to worsened mood, heightened perception of task
difficulty, decreased concentration, and increased headache symptoms (Armstrong et al., 2012).
They recommended optimal hydration, particularly during physical activity, to mitigate such
effects.
Masento et al. (2014) conducted research reviews exploring the relationship between
water intake and brain function. Despite being often overlooked, water plays a crucial role in
mental performance. Current evidence suggests that adequate water intake positively influences
mental cognition and mood. Fadda, Rapinett, Grathwohl, Parisi, Fanari, Calò, & Schmitt (2012)
observed positive effects of drinking water during the school day on cognitive performance and
factors such as fatigue or motivation. Their study involved 168 children aged 9 to 11 years
residing in hot climates.
The experiment took place within a classroom environment, where the Italian version of
the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was utilized for assessment. Researchers identified that 84%
of the children commenced their school day in a mildly dehydrated state. To address this,
children were provided with water bottles to keep on their desks and were encouraged to
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consume water throughout the day. This intervention led to a significant negative correlation
between dehydration and auditory number span, indicating a beneficial impact of supplemental
water consumption at school on short-term memory (Fadda et al., 2012, p.730). Additionally,
researchers noted a positive correlation between dehydration and performance on verbal
comparison tasks. Consequently, they concluded that providing children with a supplementary
supply of the recommended daily water intake during the school day yielded significant benefits.
Section II: Research on Token Economy Treatment Method
For the purpose of this behavior modification study, the token economy treatment method
will be employed. Token economy entails a reinforcement system wherein conditioned
reinforcements, known as tokens, are dispensed to individuals for demonstrating desirable
behaviors; these tokens can later be exchanged for backup reinforcers (Miltenberger, 2015,
p.449). The objective of employing this treatment method is to reinforce the behavior of
increasing daily water consumption. Upon meeting the target behavior of consuming nine 16oz
bottles of water between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm, participants will receive a token.
Conversely, failure to meet the desired behavior will result in the withholding of tokens.
Participants can accumulate up to nine tokens daily, totaling 45 tokens weekly (Monday through
Friday), with token distribution being recorded on a designated data sheet.
Tokens obtained through this system can subsequently be exchanged for backup reinforcers.
These backup reinforcers serve as conditioned reinforcements that further strengthen desired
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behaviors and are acquired by redeeming tokens (Miltenberger, 2015). For the present treatment
plan, backup reinforcers include items such as one piece of dark chocolate or four tokens for a
caffeine-free beverage during meal times. Tokens will be distributed throughout the day and can
be exchanged at 4:30 pm daily. The entire process will be self-monitored and recorded by the
participant.
Whitman & Dussault (1976) investigated the efficacy of a token economy system
administered by an individual to address their own problem behaviors. Employing a reversal
(ABAB) design, the study focused on a 21-year-old undergraduate student seeking behavior
modification. The participant identified thirty problematic behaviors for modification, citing guilt
as a motivating factor. Through self-monitoring, the participant compiled a list of target
behaviors and rated their enjoyment level, thereby identifying reinforcers. Initially overwhelmed,
the participant underwent shaping to concentrate on behaviors pertinent to academic
performance. Results revealed substantial behavioral changes, indicating that individuals seeking
change can learn to control and modify their behavior independently (Whitman et al., 1976,
p.161).
Conclusion
In conclusion, a growing body of research underscores the significance of adequate
hydration through increased water consumption. Hydration levels have been shown to impact
cognitive function and mood. While severe dehydration can lead to cognitive deficits and mood
disturbances, adequate water intake has been linked to enhanced cognitive performance,
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particularly in visual attention and mood (Fadda et al., 2012). Thus, prioritizing hydration
through daily water intake holds significant benefits for overall well-being.
The participant in this study expressed a desire for a change in attitude towards water,
recognizing its role as a healthy, low-calorie choice, and seeking to utilize it for weight loss and
management, improved cognition, reduced fatigue, and enhanced short-term memory function.
Motivated by the potential benefits across various aspects of his life as a college student,
husband, and father, the participant opted to address the behavioral deficit of water intake.
To facilitate this behavior modification, a token economy treatment method will be
employed, aiming to reinforce increased daily water consumption. Through the token system,
participants will have access to backup reinforcers, including one piece of dark chocolate and
one caffeine-free beverage. Data collection will be self-monitored and recorded on a designated
data sheet.
The purpose of this experiment is to support the participant in implementing and
sustaining positive behavioral changes related to water consumption. By documenting the
results, researchers aim to assess the effectiveness of the treatment method in promoting desired
changes, identifying any negative outcomes, or observing no significant change. Ultimately, the
study seeks to encourage and document behavioral improvements for the participant's benefit
and overall well-being.
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References
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of body weight, step count, fruit/vegetable intake, and water consumption: A feasible and
effective long-term weight loss maintenance approach. Journal of the Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics, 112(5), 685-692.
Armstrong, L. E., Ganio, M. S., Casa, D. J., Lee, E. C., McDermott, B. P., Klau, J. F., &
Lieberman, H. R. (2012). Mild dehydration affects mood in healthy young women. The
Journal of Nutrition, 142(2), 382-388.
Fadda, R., Rapinett, G., Grathwohl, D., Parisi, M., Fanari, R., Calò, C.M., & Schmitt, J. (2012).
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