Question

Referring to the “Zest & health psychology lecture” and the ‘change model’, what are the reasons why individuals refrain from or struggle to change an unhealthy behavior”

Answer 1

Most individuals know the do's and the don'ts of a healthy lifestyle and a healthy living. The directions are textbook and with the "fitness" surge in people, information is everywhere. But, not many individuals are able to bring about changes in their behavior so as to keep unhealthy habits aside.

it has been suggested that bringing about behavior changes would mean that changes have to be brought in a deep rooted manner. Changes are more likely to occur in a persons behavior when it is as a result of intrinsic motivation and combined with positive thinking. Most people, aren't able to bring change, because they are more afraid than more positive.

also, since, the goals that people devise for themselves are largely abstract and do not have definition to themselves, it becomes harder for the brain to work towards those goals.  Also, people tend to make sudden changes and sudden goals, rather than slowly changing their behavior in a systemic manner. Hence, people are not able to change unhealthy behaviors.