Session 4 - Health related behaviours

Question 1

List 3 main theories to help understand people’s health related behaviour

Answer 1

1. Learning theory
2. Social cognition model
3. Integrative model (COM-B)

Question 2

Explain the following LEARNING theories:

1. Classical conditioning
2. Operant conditioning
3. Social learning theory

Answer 2

1. Classical conditioning is a learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired and can lead to relapse of behaviour - can pair with unpleasant stimulus to help prevent this
2. Operant conditioning is when people act on the environment and behaviour is shaped on the consequences e.g. behaviour is reinforced if there is a reward or punishment is removed
3. Social learning theory is where people learn vicariously through observation or modelling and behaviour is goal directed (perform behaviours that are valued and that they believe that they can achieve) v- heavily influenced by those around us including celebrities

Question 3

Explain the following SOCIAL COGNITION theories:

1. Cognitive dissonance theory
2. Health belief model
3. Theory of planned behaviour

Answer 3

1. Cognitive dissonance theory is the discomfort when actions don’t match your beliefs so can reduce comfort by changing beliefs (providing uncomfortable health information can create discomfort and prompt change)
2. Health belief model suggests that a person’s belief about a threat of illness/disease (severity and susceptibility) TOGETHER with a person’s belief in the effectiveness of the intervention, predicts the likelihood that the person will adopt the behaviour
3. Theory of planned behaviour states that attitude, subject norms, and perceived behavioural control TOGETHER shape an individual’s behavioural intentions and behaviours - however, this is only a good predictor of intentions and not necessarily of behaviour (problems with translating intentions into behaviour)

Question 4

Explain how the integrative model for targeted intervention is modelled (how does it work)?

Answer 4

1. Specific the behaviour that needs to be changed
2. Understand the nature of the behaviour and what the underpinning influences are (behavioural diagnosis)
3. Choose the behaviour technique to implement bases on the diagnosis (prescription)

Question 5

Why might someone not engage with health promoting activities? (COM-B model)

Answer 5

Capability - e.g. inadequate knowledge or skills
Opportunity
Motivation - e.g. because healthy behaviours are normally difficult, boring or unpleasant
- Behaviour