Summer 1988 | Irwin M. Rosenstock, PhD, Victor J. Strecher, PhD, MPH, Marshall H. Becker, PhD, MPH
The article explores the interrelationships between the Health Belief Model (HBM), social learning theory (now known as social cognitive theory), self-efficacy, and locus of control. It argues that these theories are often used in varying degrees of success to explain, predict, and influence behavior. The authors propose a revised HBM that incorporates self-efficacy as a separate independent variable alongside traditional HBM components such as perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers. Incentive to behave (health motivation) is also included in the model. Locus of control is not explicitly included because it is believed to be incorporated within other elements of the model.
The article highlights the contributions of social cognitive theory to health behavior change, emphasizing the importance of self-efficacy in addition to outcome expectations. Self-efficacy, defined as the belief in one's ability to perform specific behaviors, is crucial for successful behavioral change, especially in chronic illnesses requiring long-term lifestyle changes. The authors suggest that including self-efficacy in the HBM can enhance its explanatory power and suggest more effective interventions for health educators.
The article also discusses the sources of self-efficacy information, including performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiological state. It provides examples of how these sources can be used in practice to enhance self-efficacy, such as setting short-term goals and using patient-provider contracting to set and achieve treatment goals.
In conclusion, the authors recommend that researchers and practitioners continue to use the HBM while incorporating self-efficacy as both an explanatory variable and a manipulable factor. They argue that an expanded HBM that includes perceived self-efficacy will provide a more powerful approach to understanding and influencing health-related behavior.The article explores the interrelationships between the Health Belief Model (HBM), social learning theory (now known as social cognitive theory), self-efficacy, and locus of control. It argues that these theories are often used in varying degrees of success to explain, predict, and influence behavior. The authors propose a revised HBM that incorporates self-efficacy as a separate independent variable alongside traditional HBM components such as perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers. Incentive to behave (health motivation) is also included in the model. Locus of control is not explicitly included because it is believed to be incorporated within other elements of the model.
The article highlights the contributions of social cognitive theory to health behavior change, emphasizing the importance of self-efficacy in addition to outcome expectations. Self-efficacy, defined as the belief in one's ability to perform specific behaviors, is crucial for successful behavioral change, especially in chronic illnesses requiring long-term lifestyle changes. The authors suggest that including self-efficacy in the HBM can enhance its explanatory power and suggest more effective interventions for health educators.
The article also discusses the sources of self-efficacy information, including performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiological state. It provides examples of how these sources can be used in practice to enhance self-efficacy, such as setting short-term goals and using patient-provider contracting to set and achieve treatment goals.
In conclusion, the authors recommend that researchers and practitioners continue to use the HBM while incorporating self-efficacy as both an explanatory variable and a manipulable factor. They argue that an expanded HBM that includes perceived self-efficacy will provide a more powerful approach to understanding and influencing health-related behavior.