Table 2. Six Most Commonly Cited Behavior Change Models, Theories, and Constructs - Focus and Key Concepts
Level Addressed | Theory/Model | Focus | Key Concepts |
---|---|---|---|
Theories that address how individual factors such as knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, prior experience, and personality influence behavioral choices | Health belief model | Peoples' perceptions of the threat of a health problem and appraisal of behavior recommended to prevent or manage problem. |
Perceived susceptibility |
Theory of reasoned action/theory of planned behavior |
People are rational beings whose intention to perform a behavior strongly relates to its actual performance through beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. |
Behavioral intention |
|
Stages of change/ transtheoretical model |
Readiness to change or attempt to change a health behavior varies among individuals and within an individual over time. Relapse is a common occurrence and part of the normal process of change. |
Precontemplation |
|
Theories that address processes between the individual and primary groups that provide social identity, support, and role definition |
Social cognitive theory/social learning theory |
Behavior is explained by dynamic interaction among personal factors, environmental influences, and behavior. |
Observational learning |
Community organization/ building |
Processes by which community groups are helped to identify and address common problems or goals. |
Participation and relevance |
|
Social marketing |
The application of commercial marketing technologies to increase the practice of healthy behaviors in order to improve individual and collective well-being. |
Consumer orientation |
Current as of: November 2013