#32: Why Behavior Doesn’t Fit in Boxes: Rethinking How We Classify Behavior

In this episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding dives into the complex world of labels—how we define, categorize, and talk about behavior in both humans and animals. Drawing on her psychology background, she explores the benefits and pitfalls of labels, the messiness behind mental health classifications, and how new models in psychology might help us think differently about animal behavior. At the heart of the discussion: lasting change comes from addressing underlying processes—like stress, emotional regulation, and impulsivity—rather than focusing only on behaviors. If you’ve ever wondered how labels shape your work—or how to use them more effectively—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Whether you’re a trainer, behavior consultant, vet, or science-curious animal lover, you’ll come away with a richer, more nuanced view of how labels shape our understanding—and results.Links & Resources: Unlocking Resilience:  https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience First, M. B., Rebello, T. J., Keeley, J. W., Bhargava, R., Dai, Y., Kulygina, M., ... & Reed, G. M. (2018). Do mental health professionals use diagnostic classifications the way we think they do? A global survey. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 187-195.Maj, M. (2018). Why the clinical utility of diagnostic categories in psychiatry is intrinsically limited and how we can use new approaches to complement them. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 121–122. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20512Nasrallah, H. A. (2021). Re-Inventing the Dsm as A Transdiagnostic Model: Psychiatric Disorders Are Extensively Interconnected. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 33(3), 148–150. https://doi.org/10.12788/acp.0037 For more information, please check out my website and social media links below!Website: https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Unlocking Resilience: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilienceResearch Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bitesJoin the Science Matters newsletterFacebook...