Theories On Health Behaviour Flashcards
How can Classical conditioning be used to change health behaviour?
You can get the person to avoid the cues or change association with cues.
Ie aversive techniques in alcohol misuse
What is operant conditioning?
The theory that people/animals act on the environment and behaviour is shaped by the consequences (reward/punishment).
What might be an example of using operant condition to change health behaviour?
Saving up money for a holiday by giving up smoking
What is the social learning theory and examples of harmful (health related) behaviours?
Social learning is being influenced by family, peers, media figures and celebrities
Harmful behaviours may include drinking, drug use and unsafe sex
What are some positives of the social learning theory and health related behaviours?
Peer modelling/education (eg safer sex)
Celebrities in health promotion campaigns
What is the health belief model? What does it include?
It is the idea that we have common sense beliefs and these influence our behaviours
There are;
Beliefs about health threat
(Perceived susceptibility and severity-eg risk of getting it and how bad will it be?)
Beliefs about health-related behaviour (perceived benefits and barriers- eg no access?)
Cues to action (adverts/campaigns etc)
What are the limitations of the health belief model?
Incomplete, it doesnt take into account broader social factors and the influence others have on us.
It also doesn’t address the fact that actions may be out of habit/conditioned behaviour/ coercion
Doesn’t incorporate emotional influences (ie fear, desire)
What is the theory of planned behaviour?
Believing in something and having the intention to do it. And if you do have the intention then the behaviour will occur. It relies upon the idea that intention is the most important thing.
What are the limitations of the theory of planned behaviour?
Good predictor of intentions but poor predictor of behaviour, people don’t always follow through
What are the stages of the change model?
Pre-contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance Relapse
What are the 3 factors that effect the Theory of planned behaviour?
Attitude towards behaviour (belief about outcome) Subjective norm (motivation to comply) Perceived control (individual control, barriers and facilitators)
