Theories of health belief

This is only the theories behind the studies in the theories of health belief section of healthy living. Studies are not included but are refered to.

This is because I have made this mainly for myself but anyone is welcome to use it.

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  • Created by: Emily
  • Created on: 10-04-13 15:41

Health Belief model

(see mind map)

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Locus of control

Locus of Control refers to a person perception on what the underling cause of events in their life are. It can be either Internal or External.

Internal Locus of Control: A belief that you are directly responsible for your own health and can make a difference by changing your lifestyle

External Locus of Control: A belief that your health is in someone elses hands (e.g doctors, parents, genes, religion or fate) and therefore out of your control

"A locus of control orientation is a belief about whether the outcomes of our actions are contingent on what we do (internal control orientation) or on events outside our personal control (external control orientation)." (Zimbardo 1985)

Rotter published a 13 item questionnaire on this in 1966. It is a very simple and reductionist theory. On the questionnaire there are only two options in each item.

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Self-Efficacy

Bandura's expansion on locus of control theory. LOC: what/who produces the outcome. SE: a person's conviction that their own behaviour will make a difference to the outcome

Self-efficacy: how effective a person thinks they will be at successfully adopting a healthy behaviour. It's your belief in your own capabilities to achieve your goals. A cognitive model of individual thought processes.

Factors affecting a persons self-efficacy:

Previous experiences: Past successes of your own life.

Vicarious experiences: The sucess of other people around you. "If s/he can do it, i can do it" attitude. "Seeing people similar to oneself succeed by sustained effort raises observers' beliefs that they too possess the capabilities master comparable activities to succeed."

Verbal persuasion: Others telling you that you can do it. Motivational feedback.

Emotional arousal; Too much anxiety/pressure can reduce a person's self-efficacy

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