Environmental Influences on Health

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Questions and Answers

Which approach to behavior change focuses on stopping a negative behavior?

Developing a positive behavior

Maintaining a positive behavior

Stopping a negative behavior (correct)

Preventing relapse to a negative behavior

What is the main idea of Social Cognitive Theory in relation to behavior change?

Behavior change is solely determined by internal motivation.

Behavior change relies exclusively on reinforcement schedules.

Behavior change enhances self-efficacy without environmental influence.

Behavior change is influenced by environment, self-efficacy, and characteristics of the behavior. (correct)

Which barrier to behavior change is associated with the lack of necessary skills?

Problems of environment

Problems of competence (correct)

Problems of confidence

Problems of motivation

How does an internal locus of control impact behavior change?

It promotes change by fostering a belief in personal influence. Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological cue may help increase motivation and influence behavior change?

Physical discomfort Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Humanistic Theory of Change?

To achieve personal goals related to self-actualization Signup and view all the answers

What does the Relapse Prevention Model focus on?

Anticipating high-risk situations and preventing relapses Signup and view all the answers

Which process of change involves experiencing and expressing feelings about problem behavior?

Emotional Arousal Signup and view all the answers

In the context of behavior change, what does 'countering' refer to?

Substituting healthy behaviors for problem behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the Transtheoretical Model indicates that change is a gradual process?

Stages of Change Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Positive Outlook' process encourage in behavior change?

To believe in oneself from the beginning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'self-efficacy' in behavior change?

The belief in one's ability to perform tasks effectively Signup and view all the answers

Which type of external influence is critical in the 'Social Liberation' process of change?

Awareness of the problem behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is one major factor that influences physical activity according to environmental factors?

Community structure that limits safe walking or biking Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes self-efficacy?

Belief in one's ability to perform a given task Signup and view all the answers

Which barrier might prevent an individual from changing their behavior due to a desire for instant results?

Gratification Signup and view all the answers

How can excessive sitting time impact health, regardless of physical activity levels?

It increases the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for increased calorie consumption among the average American?

Daily food supply exceeding calorie needs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a misconception that might contribute to barriers in behavior change?

Procrastination is not a significant issue. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factor can negatively influence dietary habits?

Growing portion sizes in restaurants Signup and view all the answers

Which technique can facilitate change by helping individuals set achievable goals?

SMART goal setting Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Influences on Physical Activity

Modern environments often promote inactivity, making it easier to choose escalators over stairs, drive-through windows over cooking, and rely on car washes and automatic garage door openers.
Spending most of the day sitting, even while meeting minimum physical activity requirements, is linked to high death rates.
Excessive sitting time increases the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, independently of body weight and physical activity.
For every hour of sedentary TV watching per day, life expectancy decreases by 22 minutes.

Environmental Influences on Diet and Nutrition

Reasons for overeating in the average American diet include:
- Daily food supply exceeding calorie needs
- Prevalence of eating out, offering variety and appealing choices
- Growing portion sizes
- Disregarding hunger cues, leading to snacking
- Prioritizing cost over nutrition
- Free soft-drink refills

Barriers to Behavior Change

Barriers that hinder behavior change include:
- Lack of core values
- Procrastination
- Preconditioned cultural beliefs
- Seeking gratification
- Risk complacency
- Complexity
- Indifference and helplessness
- Rationalization
- Illusions of invincibility

Self-Efficacy Promotes Behavior Change

Self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to perform a given task.
The sources of self-efficacy, ranked by influence:
- Mastery experiences
- Vicarious experiences
- Verbal persuasion
- Physiological cues

Motivation and Locus of Control Promote Behavior Change

Motivation is the internal drive directing, energizing, and persisting in behavior, influenced by external factors.
Locus of control refers to the extent to which an individual believes they can influence their environment.
- Internal locus of control promotes change.
- External locus of control presents a greater challenge to behavior change.

Three Barriers to Taking Action

Barriers to taking action:
- Problems of competence: Solution - master required skills.
- Problems of confidence: Solution - Break down tasks.
- Problems of motivation: Solution - Increase knowledge and set goals.

Five Approaches to Behavior Change

Approaches to behavior change:
- Stopping a negative behavior.
- Preventing relapse to a negative behavior.
- Developing a positive behavior.
- Strengthening a positive behavior.
- Maintaining a positive behavior.

Behavior Change Theories and Models

Learning Theory: Behaviors are primarily learned and maintained through reinforcement and anticipated outcomes.
Social Cognitive Theory: Behavior change is influenced by the environment, self-efficacy, and behavior characteristics.
Humanistic Theory of Change: Individuals are unique in their pursuit of personal goals, with self-actualization as the ultimate goal.
Problem-Solving Model: Many behaviors result from decision-making processes used to address problem behaviors.
Relapse Prevention Model: Anticipates high-risk situations and develops strategies to prevent lapses and relapses.
- Lapse: A temporary slip into unhealthy behaviors.
- Relapse: A longer-term return to unhealthy behaviors.

Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change

The Transtheoretical Model postulates that behavior change is a gradual process involving multiple stages.

Overview of Common Processes of Change

Common processes of change:
- Consciousness-Raising: Increasing knowledge of the problem behavior.
- Social Liberation: External influences raising awareness of the problem behavior.
- Self-Analysis: A decisive desire to change behavior.
- Emotional Arousal: Experiencing and expressing feelings about the problem and solution.
- Positive Outlook: Maintaining an optimistic perspective and self-belief.
- Commitment: Accepting responsibility for change and believing in one's ability to achieve it.
- Behavior Analysis: Assessing frequency, circumstances, and consequences of the behavior.
- Goal Setting: Establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
- Helping Relationships: Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals.
- Self-Reevaluation: Analyzing feelings about the problem behavior including pros and cons.
- Countering: Substituting healthy behaviors for problem behaviors.

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Description

This quiz explores how modern environments impact physical activity and dietary habits. It delves into the consequences of inactivity and unhealthy eating choices, highlighting critical factors that influence our daily decisions. Understand the relationship between our surroundings and health outcomes through a series of questions.