health behaviours, making changes

Question 1

What are the stages of change model?

Answer 1

• Pre-contemplation= not intending to make a change
• Contemplation= considering a change
• Preparation= Making small changes
• Action= actively engaging in new behaviour
• Maintenance= sustaining behaviour over time
• Relapse= possible, due to rewards being too far away, targets may be too high or a lack of support.

Question 2

What are some criticisms of stages of change model?

Answer 2

• People are labelled as a stage rather than behaviour.
• Intentions to change are not always clearly formulated
• Focus on conscious processes

Question 3

What is the health belief model?

Answer 3

• Focuses on individuals’ beliefs about health conditions and health behaviours. Whether an individual practices a health behaviour can be understood by 2 factors.
• Threat perception= degree which the person perceives the behaviour as a personal health threat.
• Behavioural evaluation= perception that the practice will be effective in reducing the threat.

Question 4

Define self-management.

Answer 4

• Process of learning and practicing skills which enable individuals to manage their health condition on a day-day basis through practicing and adopting specific behaviours to manage their condition.

Question 5

What are the network processes?

Answer 5

• Networks are built and evolve through a process of selection of similar ties.

Question 6

What is an example of behaviour change as a network process?

Answer 6

• Weight gain in one person is associated with weight gain of others in networks.

Question 7

Define habitus.

Answer 7

• The way people perceive and respond to the social world they inhibit by their personal habits, skills etc. Social class is a key factor of shaping our habitus.

Question 8

What are the elements of social practice?

Answer 8

• Meaning
• Materials
• Competence

Question 9

What can help behaviour change?

Answer 9

• Goal setting: SMART goals.
• Goals should be person-centred, challenging, involve feedback and increase in complexity to motivate people.

Question 10

What is the nudge theory?

Answer 10

• Improving decisions about health, wealth and happiness.
• E.g., items placed at eye level at a supermarket vs those near the floor.