Health Behavior Theories and Models: A Comprehensive Overview for
Students, Exams of Advanced Education
Continuum Theories - ANSWERExplain health behaviors using a single set of
factors; provide a snapshot of behavior (why someone does or does not
engage in a behavior at a specific time). Examples: Health Belief Model and
Theory of Planned Behavior.
Strengths of Continuum Theories - ANSWERHave generated extensive
research; identify beliefs that can motivate behavior change; predict behavior
better than chance.
Stage Theories - ANSWERPropose that people move through stages on their
way to changing a behavior; emphasize changes over time. Example:
Transtheoretical Model.
Health Belief Model (HBM) - ANSWERStates that whether a person practices
a health behavior depends on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and
barriers.
Perceived Susceptibility (HBM) - ANSWERThe degree to which a person feels
at risk for a disease ("How likely am I to get it?").
, Perceived Severity (HBM) - ANSWERHow serious or harmful the person
believes the condition would be ("How bad is it if I get it?").
Perceived Benefits (HBM) - ANSWERThe positive outcomes of performing a
health behavior that must outweigh barriers. Example: Believing the flu
shot's protection is worth the hassle of scheduling and paying for it.
Perceived Barriers (HBM) - ANSWERThe obstacles that prevent someone from
engaging in a health behavior. Example: No transportation to a clinic can be
addressed through support or accessibility.
Strengths of the Health Belief Model - ANSWERPredicts simple health
behaviors well; identifies key beliefs; barriers and benefits are strong
predictors.
Limitations of the Health Belief Model - ANSWERDoes not predict adherence
well; ignores habitual behaviors (like brushing teeth); lacks a concept of
personal control.
Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) - ANSWERSuggests that intention to
perform a behavior is influenced by attitude, subjective norms, and perceived
behavioral control.
Attitude Toward the Behavior (TPB) - ANSWERWhether the behavior is
viewed as desirable and effective.
Subjective Norm (TPB) - ANSWERPerceived social pressure from others to
perform or not perform a behavior.
Students, Exams of Advanced Education
Continuum Theories - ANSWERExplain health behaviors using a single set of
factors; provide a snapshot of behavior (why someone does or does not
engage in a behavior at a specific time). Examples: Health Belief Model and
Theory of Planned Behavior.
Strengths of Continuum Theories - ANSWERHave generated extensive
research; identify beliefs that can motivate behavior change; predict behavior
better than chance.
Stage Theories - ANSWERPropose that people move through stages on their
way to changing a behavior; emphasize changes over time. Example:
Transtheoretical Model.
Health Belief Model (HBM) - ANSWERStates that whether a person practices
a health behavior depends on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and
barriers.
Perceived Susceptibility (HBM) - ANSWERThe degree to which a person feels
at risk for a disease ("How likely am I to get it?").
, Perceived Severity (HBM) - ANSWERHow serious or harmful the person
believes the condition would be ("How bad is it if I get it?").
Perceived Benefits (HBM) - ANSWERThe positive outcomes of performing a
health behavior that must outweigh barriers. Example: Believing the flu
shot's protection is worth the hassle of scheduling and paying for it.
Perceived Barriers (HBM) - ANSWERThe obstacles that prevent someone from
engaging in a health behavior. Example: No transportation to a clinic can be
addressed through support or accessibility.
Strengths of the Health Belief Model - ANSWERPredicts simple health
behaviors well; identifies key beliefs; barriers and benefits are strong
predictors.
Limitations of the Health Belief Model - ANSWERDoes not predict adherence
well; ignores habitual behaviors (like brushing teeth); lacks a concept of
personal control.
Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) - ANSWERSuggests that intention to
perform a behavior is influenced by attitude, subjective norms, and perceived
behavioral control.
Attitude Toward the Behavior (TPB) - ANSWERWhether the behavior is
viewed as desirable and effective.
Subjective Norm (TPB) - ANSWERPerceived social pressure from others to
perform or not perform a behavior.
