Content
Discussion
Theories
Explaining Behaviour Change in Individuals
The Health
Belief Model
The Health Belief
Model (see Figure 4.1) is one of the oldest theories designed to
explain health behaviour; it argues that behaviour can best be understood
if beliefs about health are clear. The model predicts that individuals
will act to protect or promote their health if they believe that:
they are susceptible to a condition or problem
the consequences
of the condition are severe
the recommended
actions to deal with the problem are beneficial
the benefits of
taking action outweigh the costs or barriers
| Figure
4.1: Major Elements of the Health Belief Model |
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| Source:
Adapted from Nutbeam and Harris, 1998 |
For example,
if the Health Belief Model was applied to prevent the spread of
HIV/AIDS, individuals would be more likely to practice safe sex
if they believe that:
they are at risk of HIV infection
the consequences
of the infection are serious
safe sex practices
(e.g., condom use) are effective in reducing the risk of infection
the benefits of
safe sex practices outweigh the potential costs and barriers
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