Psychology C3 - methods used to improve adherence

Question 1

reduction of perceived threats

Answer 1

-example, client believes they risk harm if they adhere to medical advice
-perceives harm = likely
-changing clients perception of threats = useful target for improving adherence

Question 2

1. resistance

Answer 2

-resist following medical advice, perceive it as threatening
-reduces clients resistance can change perception of threat – build physical activity into routine, becomes a habit
-eventually reassess perception of threat, better than changing beliefs

Question 3

2. understanding of needs

Answer 3

-client perceives something as threatening if it prevents needs being met – someone part of anti vaccination group, vulnerable to disease, more important to be accepted
-useful intervention = give client another source of acceptance

Question 4

3. safe and security

Answer 4

-client perceives following medical advice = harmful
-threatens safety and security – include client in decision about treatments
-feel safer as they have control over what happens to them
-experience fear if its not met

Question 5

4. fears

Answer 5

-clients fear can be reduced by health professionals recognising and addressing them
-fears of side effects can be discussed so client understands the risks

Question 6

practical application
(evaluation)
+

Answer 6

-considering perceived threats offers a specific way to improve adherence
-clients don’t perceive enough of a threat from the illness itself
-HBM = intervention, what needs to happen is an increase in the perceived threat from illness

Question 7

perception-behaviour gap
(evaluation)
-

Answer 7

-reducing threat perception doesn’t always change behaviour
-interventions help clients judge the risk of harm more accurately
-doesn’t mean they go on to be more adherent, different aspects of non-adherence have to be addressed
-interventions should target multiple causes of non-adherence, not just reduce the perception of threat