Introduction to Health Behavior Theories Flashcards
What is a theory?
A way to explain why something happens or a way to solve a problem.
What do health behavior theories explain?
They explain why people do the things they do relative to their health and suggest ways to change behaviors to solve health problems.
Where do theories come from?
They come from repeated observations of events, behaviors, diseases, plus inductive reasoning and qualitative research.
What is inductive reasoning?
A reasoning process that starts with observations and moves to a conclusion.
Provide an example of inductive reasoning related to condom use.
Observation: HIV is transmitted through sexual activity. Observation: Condoms prevent the transmission of diseases. Conclusion: Condoms prevent the transmission of HIV.
What is deductive reasoning?
A reasoning process that starts with a conclusion and seeks observations to support it.
Provide an example of deductive reasoning related to condom use.
Conclusion: Condoms prevent the transmission of HIV. Observation: Condoms prevent the transmission of disease. Observation: HIV is transmitted through sexual activity.
What are the three types or levels of theories?
Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Community.
What do intrapersonal theories explain?
They explain that behavior results from the influence of factors internal to the person.
List some factors that influence behavior according to intrapersonal theories.
- Skills
- Values
- Gender
- Beliefs & attitudes
- Culture
- Religion
- Knowledge
What do skills refer to in intrapersonal theories?
Abilities needed to use the information one knows that influence behavior.
How do beliefs influence behavior?
Beliefs are one’s own perception of what is true that influence behavior.
What are attitudes in the context of intrapersonal theories?
A series of beliefs that influence behavior.
How does culture influence health behavior?
Culture includes the customs, habits, and language shared by a group that influence behavior.
What are values in the context of intrapersonal theories?
Things held in high regard that influence behavior.
How does religion influence behavior?
Religion influences values, beliefs, and expected practices, often tied to culture.
What does gender refer to in intrapersonal theories?
Societal role expectations of people based on their biological sex.
What factors do interpersonal theories focus on?
They explain that behavior results from the influence of factors related to other people.
What influences behavior according to community-level theories?
The influence of social systems through laws, policies, and regulations.
What are the three parts of a theory?
- Concepts
- Constructs
- Variables
What is a theory concept?
The idea upon which the theory is formed.
What are constructs in a theory?
The ways in which the concept is used in the theory.
Provide an example of a theory concept.
Protection motivation theory: Concept - Fear motivates people to change attitudes and behaviors.
What are variables in a theory?
Ways the concept is measured.
