Health Physchology
Unit 30 – Health Psychology
Models of health related behaviour and contemporary issues in health psychology.
In this assignment I will concentrate on two theories of behaviour; health belief model (HBM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action. I will also look at factors that affect our approach to health and illness; poverty and age. Finally I will look at two different specific health issues; addiction and eating disorders, I will also look at the similarities and the differences between eating disorders and addictions.
P1. In this part of my assignment I will describe 2 different theories of behaviour change in relation to health. The Health Belief Model was originally founded by Rosenstock in 1966 and was later amended by Becker in the 1970/1980’s. This model suggests that individuals are more likely to undertake recommended preventative health actions if;
There is a threat to their health and well-being
The benefits of undertaking the action out-weigh the benefits if the action is not taken.
These keys concepts of this model are:
Perceived susceptibility – this is a person’s view of how likely they are to get a specific illness.
Perceived seriousness – a person’s belief about what the effects of a disease or condition might have on them, e.g. the difficulties that a disease would create including pain and discomfort, loss of work time, financial impact, and difficulties with finances. Perceived benefits of taking action – once they have accepted that they are prone to the disease or condition, and have recognized that it is serious, they may feel motivated to do something about it, in an attempt to prevent the disease or condition.
Barriers to taking action – action might not be taken, even though the individual believes in the benefits of undertaking the action. This is because of barriers that might be related to the nature of the treatment or preventative measures.
Cues to action – a person may also require a ‘cue to action’ this could
Models of health related behaviour and contemporary issues in health psychology.
In this assignment I will concentrate on two theories of behaviour; health belief model (HBM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action. I will also look at factors that affect our approach to health and illness; poverty and age. Finally I will look at two different specific health issues; addiction and eating disorders, I will also look at the similarities and the differences between eating disorders and addictions.
P1. In this part of my assignment I will describe 2 different theories of behaviour change in relation to health. The Health Belief Model was originally founded by Rosenstock in 1966 and was later amended by Becker in the 1970/1980’s. This model suggests that individuals are more likely to undertake recommended preventative health actions if;
There is a threat to their health and well-being
The benefits of undertaking the action out-weigh the benefits if the action is not taken.
These keys concepts of this model are:
Perceived susceptibility – this is a person’s view of how likely they are to get a specific illness.
Perceived seriousness – a person’s belief about what the effects of a disease or condition might have on them, e.g. the difficulties that a disease would create including pain and discomfort, loss of work time, financial impact, and difficulties with finances. Perceived benefits of taking action – once they have accepted that they are prone to the disease or condition, and have recognized that it is serious, they may feel motivated to do something about it, in an attempt to prevent the disease or condition.
Barriers to taking action – action might not be taken, even though the individual believes in the benefits of undertaking the action. This is because of barriers that might be related to the nature of the treatment or preventative measures.
Cues to action – a person may also require a ‘cue to action’ this could