health behaviours, making changes

Question 1

What are the stages of change model (transtheoretical 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 mode ?

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 (Rosenstock 1966)?

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? Give an example.

Answer 8

• Meaning
• Materials
• Competence

E.g., elements of smoking:
Meaning= understanding smoking as a normal and socially acceptable thing to do.
Materials= Cigarettes, matchers, lighters, tobacco etc.
Competence= To know where, when and how to smoke.

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.

Question 11

What are some cons of models?

Answer 11

It has been argued that models are not social enough. They need to look at wider social issues such as socioeconomic status, age and media influences.