In: Nursing
1. While modifying factors and cues to action have an indirect role in behavior change, the Health Belief Model suggests that two constructs directly influence health behavior. Name and give a brief description of those two primary constructs and their sub-constructs.
2. According to Social Cognitive Theory, there are four methods of increasing self-efficacy. Name each of these and briefly describe them using potential physical activity interventions as an example.
3. Jane decides to reduce her alcohol intake by 5 drinks per week. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action, describe how Jane might have come to this decision.
4. What does Bandura identify as a “precondition” for behavior change? Give an example for each of the two types of this Social Cognitive Theory construct.
The construct of perceived seriousness speaks to an individual's belief about the seriousness or severity of a disease.While the perception of seriousness is often based on medical information or knowledge,it may also come from beliefs a person has about the difficulties a disease would create or the effects it would have on his or her life in general.
Perceived susceptibility is one of the more powerful perceptions in prompting people to adopt healthier behaviors.The greater the perceived risk,the greater the likelihood of engaging in behaviors to decrease the risk.When the perception of susceptibility is combined with seriousness,it results in perceived threat.If the perception of threat is to a serious disease for which there is a real risk,behavior often changes.
Perceived benefits-the construct of perceived benefits is a person's opinion of the value or usefulness of a new behavior in decreasing the risk of devoloping a disease.People tend to adopt healthier behaviors when they believe the new behavior will decrease their chances of devoloping a disease.this also play an important role in the adoption of secondary prevention behaviors,such as screenings.
Perceived barriers-This is an individual's own evaluation of the obstacles in the way of him or her adopting a new behavior.Of all the constructs,perceived barriers are the most significant in determining behavior change.In order for a new behavior to be adopted,a person needs to believe the benefits of the new behavior outweigh the consequences of continuing the old behavior.This enables barriers to be overcome and the new behavior to be adopted.