Behavioral activation (BA) is a third-generation behavior therapy for treating mood disorders. Behavioral activation primarily emphasizes engaging in positive and enjoyable activities to enhance one's mood.[1]
The Beck Institute describes BA as a way by which mood can be improved through the active engagement and planning of potentially mood-boosting activities.[2][3] BA also involves the understanding of an individual's specific behaviors and the use of specific methods to enable them to overcome avoidance.[4]
Behavioral activation is often used from a cognitive behavioral therapy framework. It is also regarded as one form of functional analytic psychotherapy, which is based on a Skinnerian psychological model of behavior change, generally referred to as applied behavior analysis. This area is also a part of what is called clinical behavior analysis and makes up one of the most effective practices in the professional practice of behavior analysis.