Health Education Theory and Behavior Change
Core concepts
Understand major behavior change theories: the Health Belief Model, the Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and the Ecological Model. Know the constructs within each, such as perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, stages of change, subjective norms, and reciprocal determinism. Be able to apply a theory to a described scenario and identify which construct is being addressed.
Traps
A frequent error is mixing constructs across theories; self-efficacy belongs to Social Cognitive Theory and the Health Belief Model, while stages of change belong to the Transtheoretical Model. Another trap is assuming that knowledge alone changes behavior; most theories emphasize that knowledge is necessary but insufficient. Questions may ask which stage a person is in: precontemplation means no intention to change within six months, contemplation means intention but no action.
Worked example
A patient says, "I know I should exercise, and I plan to start next month." This is contemplation, not preparation, because there is no concrete plan or recent action. Rule of thumb: intention without a specific plan maps to contemplation.
Study tip
For each theory, memorize one distinctive construct and one typical intervention; exam items usually ask you to match a scenario to a construct.