Psychological Influences on Health

Question 1

What common behaviours are often critical to health?

Answer 1

• smoking
• poor diet
• physical inactivity
• alcohol consumption

Question 2

Describe the NICE principles for selection interventions and programmes aimed at populations.

Answer 2

Deliver population-level policies, interventions and programmes tailored to change specific, health-related behaviours. They could include;

• Fiscal and legislative interventions
• National and local advertising and mass media campaigns (information campaigns, promotion of positive role models, general promotion of health-enhancing behaviours)
• Point of sale promotions and interventions (tax/price reductions)

Question 3

Describe the NICE principles for selecting interventions and programmes aimed at communities.

Answer 3

Invest in interventions and programmes that identify and build on the strengths of individuals and communities and the relationships within communities.

• Support organisations and institutions that offer opportunities for local people to take part in
• The planning and delivery of services
• Support organisations and institutions that promote participation in leisure and voluntary activities
• Promote resilience and build skills, by promoting positive social networks and helping to develop relationships

Question 4

Describe the NICE principles for selecting interventions and programmes aimed at individuals.

Answer 4

Commissioners, service providers and practitioners working with individuals should select interventions that motivate and support people to;

• Feel positive about the benefits of health-enhancing behaviours and changing their behaviour
• Plan their changes in terms of easy steps over time
• Recognise how their social contexts and relationships may affect their behaviour
• Plan explicit ‘if-then’ coping strategies to prevent relapse

Question 5

List and describe the modifiable determinants of behaviour.

Answer 5

Information 
- Relevant to current goals 
- Easily understood and remembered 
- Readily available in the moment of decision or action 
Motivation 
- Advantages outweigh disadvantages  
- A positive response is anticipated 
- Social pressures  
- The new behaviour is perceived to be consistent with self-image 
- Belief in ability to carry out the new behaviour in a range of circumstances  
Behavioural skills 
- Being able to initiate the change 
Behavioural change