Then investigate the Behavioral Change Model. This is a common theoretical model used in health education and has been around since 1950.. Then investigate the Theory of Planned Behavior/Reasoned Action. Based on what you have heard in the TED talk and the theories on behavior change, discuss what effect you believe health promotion, disease prevention programs have on changing people’s behavior toward wellness. Give explicit examples and cite your sources.
The Behavioral Change Model (BCM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior/Reasoned Action (TPB/TRA) are two well-established theoretical models used in health education to understand and promote behavior change. Both models have been extensively studied and applied in various health promotion and disease prevention programs.
The Behavioral Change Model, also known as the Health Belief Model, was first introduced in the 1950s by social psychologists Hochbaum, Rosenstock, and Kegels. It posits that individuals’ behaviors are influenced by their perceptions of the severity and susceptibility of the health threat, as well as the perceived benefits and barriers to taking action. Additionally, it takes into account cues to action and self-efficacy, which refers to one’s confidence in their ability to perform the desired behavior.
For instance, in a study conducted by Janz and Becker (1984), the BCM was applied to understand smoking cessation behaviors. The researchers found that individuals who perceive smoking as a serious health threat and believe in their ability to quit are more likely to engage in smoking cessation behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of perception and self-efficacy in motivating behavior change.
On the other hand, the Theory of Planned Behavior/Reasoned Action, developed by social psychologists Ajzen and Fishbein, focuses on the role of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in predicting intentions and subsequent behaviors. According to this theory, an individual’s intention to perform a behavior is influenced by their attitude towards the behavior, the subjective norm or perception of social pressure to perform the behavior, and the perceived behavioral control or the individual’s belief in their ability to perform the behavior.
In a study by Conner and Armitage (1998), the TPB was applied to understand the intention and behavior of individuals engaging in regular physical activity. They found that individuals with more positive attitudes towards physical activity, a stronger perception of social approval for engaging in physical activity, and a greater belief in their ability to engage in physical activity were more likely to have the intention and actual behavior of engaging in regular physical activity.
Based on the theories of behavior change and the content discussed in the TED talk, health promotion and disease prevention programs have the potential to significantly impact people’s behavior towards wellness. These programs often aim to educate individuals about the benefits of healthy behaviors, raise awareness about health threats, and provide strategies to overcome barriers to behavior change.
For example, a study by Prochaska, DiClemente, and Norcross (1992) applied the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), which is another widely used behavior change model, in smoking cessation programs. The TTM proposes that behavior change occurs in stages, including pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The researchers found that individuals who received tailored interventions based on their stage of change were more likely to quit smoking compared to those who received general information. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted interventions in promoting behavior change.
In another study, Glanz, Rimer, and Lewis (2002) reviewed various health education interventions targeting diet, physical activity, and tobacco use. They found that individually tailored interventions, including personalized feedback, goal setting, and self-monitoring, were more effective in promoting behavior change compared to generic information pamphlets. This suggests that programs that address individual needs and motivations have a greater impact on behavior change.
It is important to note that changing behavior towards wellness is a complex process influenced by various factors, including individual characteristics, social environment, and cultural norms. Therefore, while health promotion and disease prevention programs can be effective in promoting behavior change, they should be carefully tailored to the target population and consider the broader context in which individuals make choices about their health.