2.11 Understanding Health Behaviours

Question 1

Name three social cognition models

Answer 1

1. health belief model (HBM)
2. theory of reasoned action
3. theory of planned behavior

Question 2

what does the HBM assume?

Answer 2

that health behavior results from…
- desire to avoid illness
- belief that specific health behaviour will prevent illness

Question 3

What 4 constructs does the HBM include?

Answer 3

1. perceived susceptibility
2. perceived severity
3. perceived benefits
4. perceived barriers

Question 4

What does the HBM not consider?

Answer 4

• other motivation not directly health (social acceptability)
• Habitual behaviours
• Environment/economic factors

Question 5

What is Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 5

• idea that our intention is the most powerful factor in whether we go through with a behaviour
• behavioural belief strength = worthwhile?
• Normative belief = what will others think?

Question 6

What does TRA not account for?

Answer 6

• not every behaviour is under our control
• behaviours require more than just our will
• behaviours require m=skills, resources and opportunity

Question 7

What is the theory of planned behaviour (TPB)?

Answer 7

• perceived behvaioural control overlaps with construct of self-efficacy
• PBC influnced by past experience and anticipated obstacles

Question 8

Positives of TPB?

Answer 8

• simple
• widely used
• easy to measure concepts with self-report items

Question 9

limitations of TPB?

Answer 9

• lack of clear guidance on behaviour change strats
• too static
• too rational

Question 10

What are stage models?

Answer 10

aims to address the intention-behaviour gap

Question 11

What is the transtheoretical model (stages of change)?

Answer 11

• stages are defined by current intention & past behaviour
• model of intentional change

Question 12

what are the 6 stages of change in the Transtheoretical model?

Answer 12

1. Pre-contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Prep
4. Action
5. Mainentance
6. Relapse

Question 13

Criticisms of the Transtheoretical model?

Answer 13

• measures of stages not standerdised
• casual relationship between concepts are not clearly specified
• Reliance on cross-sectional data/random stages of change
• lack of consenus on how stage models should be tested

Question 14

What are ecological models?

Answer 14

• Multiple levels of influence
• Interaction between these levels
• Multi-level interventions

Question 15

What is the Scottish/Glasgow effect?

Answer 15

• higher mortality in Scotland than similarly deprived areas without clearly understood cause
• job loss, social capital & identity
• cultural influence (Binge drinking)