BEHAV: A Behavioral-Pattern Six-Dimensional Framework
Authors: Adam Hafez, Zat+ Research Team Version: 1.0.0 — DRAFT
Abstract
BEHAV targets behavioral-pattern instruments (eating, sleep, sexual, exercise, screen-use) where the construct of interest is observable behavior frequency rather than internal symptom burden. Companions: EAT-26, SCOFF, EDE-QS, ISI, PSQI, FSFI, BSMAS, SAS-SV.
1. Background & Gaps
Behavioral disorders (eating, sleep, sex) involve frequency, control, and consequence dimensions distinct from mood/anxiety. Standard scales output severity bands but miss the cyclical-pattern temporal dimension (binge-restrict cycles, sleep-debt accumulation, hyperexual-asexual cycling). BEHAV adds explicit cycle/severity/control axes.
2. Specification
2.1 Dimensions
| Code | Name | Direction | Operationalization |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Burden (frequency) | deficit | How often the behavior happens |
| E | Effect (functional impact) | deficit | Disruption to life roles |
| H | Habit-strength (compulsion) | deficit | Difficulty stopping / cravings |
| A | Awareness | strength | Insight into the pattern |
| V | Variation (cyclicity) | deficit | Cycle amplitude — binge/restrict, hyper/hypo |
5 letters. 6th = R (Recovery resources / strengths) added for parity with other frameworks. Acronym: BEHAVR.
2.2 Composite Index
BEHAV_Index = round(
(100 − B) × 0.18 +
(100 − E) × 0.20 +
(100 − H) × 0.18 +
A × 0.16 +
(100 − V) × 0.14 +
R × 0.14
)
2.3 Norms
EAT-26 cutoff ≥ 20 for eating disorder risk (Garner et al. 1982). ISI cutoff ≥ 15 for clinical insomnia (Morin et al. 2011). BSMAS cutoff ≥ 19 for problematic social media use (Andreassen et al. 2017).
3. Comparison
| Property | DSM-5 behavioral | EAT-26 alone | ISI alone | BEHAV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency captured | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cyclicity | partial | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Awareness/insight | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Recovery resources | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cross-behavior unified | ✗ | n/a | n/a | ✓ |
References
- Garner, D. M., et al. (1982). The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Psychol Med, 12(4), 871-878.
- Morin, C. M., et al. (2011). The Insomnia Severity Index. Sleep, 34(5), 601-608.
- Andreassen, C. S., et al. (2017). The relationship between addictive use of social media and video games and symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Addict Behav, 64, 287-293.