The Disconnected Values Model Helps Overcome Unhealthy Habits

Abstract

Researchers and practitioners have been only partially successful in developing and applying interventions that prevent or eliminate our unhealthy, self-destructive behaviors. New, more effective interventions and treatments are needed to help individuals create and maintain long-term adherence to routines that improve health and quality of life. My research over the past 15 years has consisted of helping individuals recognize the consequences of their unhealthy behavior patterns by detecting the inconsistency, or “disconnect,” between their values and their behaviors. The series of thoughts and actions that influences a person’s decision to change their actions is called the Disconnected Values Model (DVM).