The ABC's of behavioral control

Control agents of behavioral change have determined the ABC techniques for "large-scale behavior-based intervention."  They have found that consequences play a large role in our behavior.  People will strive for positive consequences and try to avoid negative consequences (shocking!).  The problem is most of our negative behavior has the consequence of being "soon & certain" not "remote & uncertain" (like disease & death). Thus, the way to reach desired behavior is to change the consequences which follow the behavior.  Therefore, consequences control our behavior and activators direct our behavior. 

So the ABC's of behavioral control is activators--->behavior--->consequence.  Think of it this way, high gas prices--->drive less--->less pollution (or whatever control they would like as the desired consequence).  Or gruesome picture on cigarette package--->freaked--->less smokers.  Think about this and you will begin to notice this approach of control to many aspects of our life.