HEP4211
Changing Health Behaviour
Maastricht University
1
, Lecture 1: Introduction to ‘Changing Health Behaviour’
The overall goal of health promotion is to achieve the definitions stated for health;
physical, mental and social Motivate and support people in the adoption and
maintenance of healthy behaviours.
In order to change behaviour, you must understand what drives behaviour. You need
insight in the determinants of behaviour and how to change these.
Motivational factors (cognitive. Motivation ≠ directly good behaviour;
intentions don’t always lead to the wanted behaviour).
Post-motivational factors (the methods to actually go from intentions to the
wanted behaviour – e.g. planning strategies).
Automatic processes (habits, automaticity; cues leading to certain behaviour).
Environmental factors (micro level (parenting, social support, nudging) and
macro level (national policy).
In order to change drivers/determinants of behaviour, you can use methods for
change. A method isn’t the same as an application.
A theoretical method is a general technique or process to induce change in a
determinant.
A practical application is a form in which the theoretical method can be
applied in practice in an intervention.
Cognitive variables can be changed through the methods of attitude, risk perception,
and self-efficacy. In order to change automatic and habitual behaviours, you need to
address certain cues that lead to behaviour.
Case week 2: How to modify risk perception?
A case of excessive alcohol consumption
Risk perception is incorporated in many (health) behaviour change theories, such as
the Protection Motivation Theory, Health Belief Model, I-Change Model, Health
Action Process Approach, etc. It is seen as a precondition for motivation and
informed decision making. People are more motivated to behave healthily if they
perceive themselves to be at risk. You need adequate knowledge of the risk to be able
to make an informed decision. Risk perception = severity + susceptibility.
- Behaviour isn’t only based on cognitive judgements (what people think), but
even more on affective likelihood beliefs (what people feel).
The perception of risk likelihood can guide (health-protective) behaviour. People are
often unrealistically optimistic about their vulnerability and underestimate their
likelihood, especially when the risk is partly controllable. Therefore, risk information
is often included in health interventions to influence individuals’ risk perception.
The communication of risk information is a fundamental aspect of nearly all health
promotion interventions. However, no consensus exists regarding the most effective
way to provide people with risk information. Two approaches to risk communication:
Numerical probability-based approach = presentation of numerical
information regarding the probability of a risk/health problem occurring.
o Provides precise information regarding probabilities.
2
Changing Health Behaviour
Maastricht University
1
, Lecture 1: Introduction to ‘Changing Health Behaviour’
The overall goal of health promotion is to achieve the definitions stated for health;
physical, mental and social Motivate and support people in the adoption and
maintenance of healthy behaviours.
In order to change behaviour, you must understand what drives behaviour. You need
insight in the determinants of behaviour and how to change these.
Motivational factors (cognitive. Motivation ≠ directly good behaviour;
intentions don’t always lead to the wanted behaviour).
Post-motivational factors (the methods to actually go from intentions to the
wanted behaviour – e.g. planning strategies).
Automatic processes (habits, automaticity; cues leading to certain behaviour).
Environmental factors (micro level (parenting, social support, nudging) and
macro level (national policy).
In order to change drivers/determinants of behaviour, you can use methods for
change. A method isn’t the same as an application.
A theoretical method is a general technique or process to induce change in a
determinant.
A practical application is a form in which the theoretical method can be
applied in practice in an intervention.
Cognitive variables can be changed through the methods of attitude, risk perception,
and self-efficacy. In order to change automatic and habitual behaviours, you need to
address certain cues that lead to behaviour.
Case week 2: How to modify risk perception?
A case of excessive alcohol consumption
Risk perception is incorporated in many (health) behaviour change theories, such as
the Protection Motivation Theory, Health Belief Model, I-Change Model, Health
Action Process Approach, etc. It is seen as a precondition for motivation and
informed decision making. People are more motivated to behave healthily if they
perceive themselves to be at risk. You need adequate knowledge of the risk to be able
to make an informed decision. Risk perception = severity + susceptibility.
- Behaviour isn’t only based on cognitive judgements (what people think), but
even more on affective likelihood beliefs (what people feel).
The perception of risk likelihood can guide (health-protective) behaviour. People are
often unrealistically optimistic about their vulnerability and underestimate their
likelihood, especially when the risk is partly controllable. Therefore, risk information
is often included in health interventions to influence individuals’ risk perception.
The communication of risk information is a fundamental aspect of nearly all health
promotion interventions. However, no consensus exists regarding the most effective
way to provide people with risk information. Two approaches to risk communication:
Numerical probability-based approach = presentation of numerical
information regarding the probability of a risk/health problem occurring.
o Provides precise information regarding probabilities.
2
