Models of Health Behaviour

Question 1

Why study health behaviours? (2)

Answer 1

Morbidity and mortality can be attributed to behaviour patterns

Behaviour patterns are modifiable

Question 2

The social cognition models are

Answer 2

HBM, TRA, TPB and protection motivation theory

Question 3

Social learning theory

Answer 3

Likelihood of behaviour= expectancy * value

Question 4

Health belief model was developed by

Answer 4

Rosenstock, 1974

Question 5

Assumptions of HBM

Answer 5

Psychological and demographic variables underpin all behaviours

Question 6

4 Beliefs in the health belief model

Answer 6

Perceived susceptibility and vulnerability and perceived benefits and barriers

Question 7

What also predicts behaviour in the HBM?

Answer 7

Health motivation and cues to action (external/internal)

Question 8

Example using HBM for TSE (McClenahan et al., 2007)

Answer 8

29% behavioural intention predicted by HBM variables

Question 9

Janz and Becker (1984) support for HBM

Answer 9

18 prospective and 28 retrospective studies reviewed:

each belief over 70% statistically significant

Question 10

Limitations of HBM

Answer 10

Does account for cultural variation (e.g. Condom use in Zambia)
Differences in predictive validity across behaviours e.g. Shiloh et al (1997)- 42% dental check ups, 20% BP screening

Question 11

Protection motivation theory was developed by who and when?

Answer 11

Rogers, 1983

Question 12

Assumptions of protection motivation theory

Answer 12

Accounts for how well you cope with a health threat

Question 13

Factors of protection motivation theory

Answer 13

Adaptive/maladaptive coping response 
Threat appraisal (vulnerability, severity and fear)

Question 14

Support for protection motivation theory (Milne and Orbel, 2000)

Answer 14

Longitudinal study
89 women, questionnaire of PMT variables, 63% response rate (45% never)
Follow up: 16% carried out in the last month

Question 15

Limitations of PMT

Answer 15

Not sufficient to explain development of PM or translation of PM to action

Question 16

Theory of reasoned action was proposed by

Answer 16

Fishbein and Ajzen (1975)

Question 17

Assumptions of TRA

Answer 17

Consistency between actions and intentions. Intentions is immediate determinant of behaviour

Question 18

What is intention determined by? (TRA)

Answer 18

Attitude to behaviour (belief and evaluation) and subjective norm (normative beliefs and motivation to comply)

Question 19

Support for TRA (Fisher et al, 1995) preventing AIDS

Answer 19

Prospective study, gay men and straight men & women.

Strong correlation between intention & behaviour over next 2 months

Question 20

TPB (Ajzen, 1985) what was added to TRA?

Answer 20

Added perceived behavioural control to TRA

Question 21

Assumptions of perceived behavioural control

Answer 21

Directly predicts actions

Question 22

McClenahan et al (2007) TSE study support for TPB?

Answer 22

50% variance explained by TPB variables

Question 23

Limitations of TPB

Answer 23

Doesn’t take into account emotions and can’t predict adherence

Question 24

Assumptions of social cognition models

Answer 24

Beliefs and attitudes develop within and are influenced by social context

Question 25

Strengths of social cognition models

Answer 25

• Provides a theoretical framework for guiding research and designing interventions
• provides guidelines for teaching professionals to understand patients’ perspective

Question 26

Weaknesses of social cognition models

Answer 26

• low predictability
• assumes humans make conscious decisions over everything (autopilot)
• place emphasis on cognition and none on emotion

Question 27

Health behaviours fit into 3 categories

Answer 27

Health enhancing behaviours, health protecting behaviours and avoidance of health-damaging behaviours