predicting and measuring health behavior Flashcards
what is health behavior?
- behaviour performed by an individual, regardless of his / her perceived health status, with the purpose of protecting, promoting or maintaining his/her health
what are the most successful public health programmes based on?
understanding of health behaviors and the context in which they occur
Describe the health belief model in simple terms
- a psychological framework that helps explain and predict peoples health-related behaviors
- it is based on the idea that individuals are more likely to take action to protect their health if they beleive they are susceptible to a health problem, believe the problem has serious consequences, or believe taking action would reduce their susceptibility or severity
according to the health belief model, what 2 factors does the likelihood that** someone will take some preventitive action depend on**?
- percieved threat of a specific illness
- outcome expectations
what are the several key beliefs in the health belief model theory?
using stroke as an eg
- susceptibility to illness (eg i have family history of stroke)
- severity of illness (eg my father couldnt walk or speak after his stroke)
- benefits of health behaviors (eg if i loose weight and exercise maybe i can reduce my risk of having a stroke)
- costs of health behaviours (eg i hate dieting and exercising, and gyms are expensive)
- cues to action- external events or prompts etc that influence an individuals decision to take action
- health motivation - eg i really need to do something to avoid getting a stroke when im older
what are the strengths of the HBM?
- common sense and easy for non psychologists to apply
- has focused research
- makes testible predictions
what are the limitations to the HBM?
- assumes people are rational / logical in relation to health
- neglects social behaviors - assumes everyone is in the same circumstance
Describe the transtheoretical model TTM in simple terms
- this model describes the process people go through when making a significant behavior change
- individuals go through a series of stages as they work toward adopting a new behaviour and letting go of an unhealthy one
Name the basic ‘stages’ in the TTM
- stage 1 - precontemplation
- stage 2 - contemplation
- stage 3 -preparation
- stage 4- action
- stage 5 - maintenance
Describe stage 1 - precontemplation of the TTM
- the individual is not yet thinking seriously about changing their behavior
- they may be unaware of or in denial about the need for change
what are techniques / interventions that can be used in stage 1 of TTM?
- validate lack of readiness (acknowledge, accept their feelings etc)
- clarify that the decision is theris
- encourage self exploration
- explain and personalise the risk
Describe stage 2 - contemplation of the TTM
- individuals in this stage are aware of the need for change but havent committed to taking action
- they may weigh the pros and cons of changing and may be considering the benefits
what are examples of techniques and interventions that can be used during stage 2 of the TTM?
- validate lack of readiness
- clarify (make something clear) that the decision is theirs
- encourage evalauation of the pros and cons
- identify and promote new positive outcome expectations
Describe the preparation stage of the TTM
- people in this stage are getting ready to take action - preparing to change in the next 30 days
what are examples of techniques / interventions that can be used in stage 3 of the TTM?
- identify and assist in problem solving
- help identify supports
- encourage small initial steps
- set a date
