Question

Consider a health behavior that you find yourself (as well as family and friends) engaging in (smoking, unhealthy eating, stress management, going to the doctor). Based on your readings, describe and analyze how your health beliefs have related to this behavior? Analyze and discuss the psychological drivers and deterrents that you observe in your own behavior and the behavior of your family and/or friends. (Adapted from Ogden, J., 2017.)

Answer 1

Individuals indulge in all sorts of behaviors, some healthy some unhealthy. If an individual is well aware of what the repercussions of unhealthy behaviors could be they would perhaps refrain from such behaviors.

I am very cautious of what I eat. I eat a lot of green leafy vegetables and am vegetarian. I drink a lot of water throughout the day and exercise daily. I would say that I indulge in healthy behaviors because I have been reared in a way where a lot of emphasis has been placed on to indulge in healthy behaviors. I would also say that I totally agree with the core assumptions of health behavior model. The HBM is based on the understanding that a person will take a health-related action if that person:

1. feels that a negative health condition can be avoided,
2. has a positive expectation that by taking a recommended action, he/she will avoid a negative health condition
3. believes that he/she can successfully take a recommended health action

There are four constructs which refer to the perceived threat and net benefits of indulging in healthy behaviors, these are, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. These four constructs account for people's "readiness to act”, therefore, cues to action, would activate that readiness and stimulate overt behavior. Along with other construct an individual’s self-efficacy, or one's confidence in the ability to successfully perform an action, also influences the way an individual indulges in healthy behaviors.

I would say that I totally agree with the constructs of Health Belief Model. I indulge in behaviors that are healthy and get a high when I refrain from unhealthy behaviors. I do not give in to the peer pressure to occasionally drink and smoke and I take pride for my behaviors. These in turn act as a reinforcement for the future.