The 7 Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis: How Professionals Create Real, Lasting Change

Apr 18

If you’ve ever tried to make a change - wake up earlier, stop yelling at your spouse or child, exercise regularly, eat more whole foods - but found yourself falling right back into old habits, you’re not alone. Many of us have been taught to rely on willpower, and when that wears off (and it will), the change won’t hang around. No amount of willpower can maintain a behavior change – there has to be a system created to support it.

Here’s the good news: There’s a quiet science to behavior change. And it’s surprisingly simple.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is often associated with clinical settings, but at its core, it’s simply the science of how we learn and change behavior. Professionals in behavioral science use seven core dimensions to make sure their strategies last.

In this article, I’ll break down those seven dimensions and show you how they can apply to everyday change. I’ll use two relatable examples, both of which apply directly to me and many of my clients!

A family goal – speeding up morning routines (running late with a coffee spilling everywhere is a nightmare)
A health goal – making food at home instead of defaulting to takeout (let’s buy groceries we want to cook and eat!)

When you’re ready to build habits that’ll last, this is the framework to use.

1. Applied – Does this change matter?

Behavior change should solve a meaningful, real-world problem for you and your family.

Family example: Every morning my daughter makes us late getting out the door. She takes a longgg time eating breakfast and getting her shoes on. I catch myself asking her a dozen times to hurry up.
Health example: By the end of the day, I’m so exhausted that I just order Chipotle from my couch or run through Chick-fil-A. This is getting in the way of my meal-planning and home-cooking goals.

2. Behavioral – Is the behavior observable and measurable?

If you can’t see or measure the behavior, it’s next to impossible to change it.

Family example: My boss told me I’ve been late to work eleven times this quarter. That’s measurable and directly tied to our morning struggles.
Health example: My bank account alerted me that I’ve spent 26% more on takeout this month. That’s a clear, observable result of my habit. Not the greatest alert to get, but it happens.

3. Analytic – Can I see a pattern?

Effective behavior change involves identifying what’s causing the behavior and adjusting based on real data.

Family example: The biggest delays are my child looking for her shoes and asking for second (and third) helpings of yogurt. If I don’t give her seconds, she has a tantrum that delays us even more.
Health example: I always buy chicken breasts and veggies with good intentions, but when I get home tired, the effort feels overwhelming. I can see the pattern: I need easier, more appealing options ready and waiting.

4. Technological – Can this plan be replicated?

A good strategy is simple and clear enough that someone else could do it, or you could repeat it if (when) you fall off track.

Family example: I created a checklist and visual schedule for my daughter and tell her first thing, “You only get one more serving before we leave,” and shoes by the door the night before. Anyone could follow this routine with her.
Health example: I prep 2 highly preferred meals on Sundays and keep a go-to list of “easy 10-minute dinners” on the fridge I also plan for a night or two of takeout, so I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself completely. If I “fall off track,” I can restart without overhauling everything.

5. Conceptually Systematic – Is this grounded in science?

We want strategies based on principles of reinforcement and shaping, not random tips from TikTok.

Family example: I am intentional about rewarding my daughter when she is ready on time (e.g., more playtime or a special song in the car), rather than nagging or yelling.
Health example: I greatly reduce the effort to cook by using pre-chopped veggies, prepared proteins, or even a frozen pizza and reinforcing myself with something enjoyable after I cook, like watching a favorite show while eating.

6. Effective – Is the strategy working?

The best plans produce results, not just good intentions.

Family example: We’ve been on time to daycare and work for 3 weeks straight. Mornings are calmer, and I’m not yelling or rushing. It makes the days so much better.
Health example: I cooked dinner at home 4 nights this week and it’s beginning to feel like a routine. I’m still keeping meals simple but have begun perusing Pinterest for new recipes as my confidence increases.

7. Generality – Does the change last and transfer?

Real behavior change shows up in different areas of life, not just in the original context.

Family example: My daughter’s new morning routine helped us realize how visual supports work for her, and we also made a bedtime one. Our whole day runs more smoothly now.
Health example: Now that I’ve found a solid plan with dinner, I’m also packing lunches with the leftovers and saving money for weekend social events.

Final Thoughts: Behavior Change That Actually Sticks

The 7 dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis are the gold standard professionals use to create real, sustainable change. Whether you’re trying to get your family out the door with less chaos or eat more meals at home, viewing your goals through these lenses can be the difference between another failed attempt and a legit shift.

Behavior change isn’t magic, it’s science. And the best part? Anyone can learn to use it.