Theories of Behaviour Change

Theories of Behaviour Change

• Behaviour change requires careful planning and consideration of motivation and readiness.
• Multiple factors influence behaviours, necessitating various theories for understanding the change process.
• Theories include Health Belief Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behaviour, Social Cognitive Theory, and Transtheoretical Model.

Health Belief Model

• Behaviour change is influenced by beliefs regarding the risk of illness and the effectiveness of changing behaviours.
• Key Concepts:
  • Perceived Susceptibility: Individual beliefs about vulnerability to illness.
  • Perceived Seriousness: Beliefs about the seriousness of potential health consequences.
  • Perceived Benefits and Costs: Evaluation of the advantages of change versus the disadvantages.
  • Self-Efficacy: Confidence in one’s ability to perform a behaviour.
  • Cues to Action: Triggers that prompt a decision to change a behaviour.

Theory of Reasoned Action

• Central concept focuses on intentions, shaped by attitudes and subjective norms.
• Attitudes: Personal views on the behaviour, affected by individual beliefs and values.
• Subjective Norms: Perception of social approval or disapproval related to the behaviour, influenced by normative beliefs and motivation to comply.

Theory of Planned Behaviour

• An extension of the Theory of Reasoned Action including perceived control.
• Intentions are influenced by:
  • Attitudes
  • Subjective Norms
  • Perceived Control: Belief about the ease of performing the behaviour, shaped by control beliefs and perceived powers.

Social Cognitive Theory

• Emphasizes the interplay between cognitive, environmental, and behavioural factors.
• Key Concepts:
  • Cognitive Factors: Knowledge, expectations, attitudes.
  • Environmental Factors: Social norms, community access, influences from others.
  • Behavioural Factors: Skills, practice, and self-efficacy.
• Observational Learning: Learning behaviour by watching others.
• Reinforcements: Responses that affect behaviour persistence, which can be positive or negative.
• Expectations: Anticipated consequences of a behaviour.

Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)

• Focuses on intentional behaviour change as a gradual process rather than a single event.
• Identifies five stages of change:
  • Precontemplation: No intention to change; defend current behaviour.
  • Contemplation: Intention to change within six months, with doubts about benefits outweighing costs.
  • Preparation: Plans to change within thirty days; moderate self-efficacy; identifies a start date.
  • Action: Actively changing behaviour for less than six months; high risk of relapse.
  • Maintenance: Sustained change for over six months; high confidence and evolving self-concept.

Strategies for Each Stage

• Precontemplation:

  • Improve knowledge and encourage reflection on current behaviour shortcomings.

• Contemplation:

  • Increase awareness of benefits associated with changing behaviour.

• Preparation:

  • Identify barriers, set realistic goals, and plan how to navigate challenges.

• Action:

  • Recall motivations for change and share plans for social support.

• Maintenance:

  • Connect with support groups and celebrate successes to reinforce behaviour change.

This quiz explores various theories of behaviour change, including the Health Belief Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Transtheoretical Model. Test your understanding of how motivation, readiness, and various factors influence behaviour change.