Select a behavior (for example, smoking, physical activity, diet, cancer screenings, etc.). Using at least 3 of the social and behavioral health theories covered in this course, describe the behavior from the perspective of each theory. For each theory, summarize the theory—including identification and explanation of each theory construct—and then apply the theory to the behavior. The conclusion should include a selected theory (from the ones described in the paper) that is best suited and applied to the selected behavior—along with support for your claims and reasonings. Students will also identify an evidence-based intervention that applies the selected theory to the behavior and describe how and why the intervention is appropriate for the theory and behavior.
3) Introduction a. Introduce the public health topic
b. Explain why the topic is important in terms of public health
c. Support your claims with data and facts
d. Explain what the paper will seek to do (examine the variables that may be associated with the behaviors related to the public health topic)
4) Theory 1
a. Summary i. Name of social and behavioral health theory and brief background (founders, use, etc.)
ii. Summary of constructs
iii. Statement of how social and behavioral health theory is applied to health behavior change
b. Application
. Explain how the social and behavioral health theory can be applied to the public health issue (how would you operationalize the constructs, etc.)
5) Theory 2
a. Summary i. Name of social and behavioral health theory and brief background (founders, use, etc.)
ii. Summary of constructs
iii. Statement of how social and behavioral health theory is applied to health behavior change
Full Answer Section
Paper objective: This paper will examine the variables that may be associated with physical activity behaviors.
Theory 1: Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)
SCT was developed by Albert Bandura and is based on the idea that people learn behaviors through observing, imitating, and modeling others. SCT posits that there are three key factors that influence behavior:
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Self-efficacy: A person's belief in their ability to perform a behavior.
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Outcome expectations: A person's beliefs about the consequences of performing a behavior.
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Observational learning: A person's learning of a behavior through observing others perform the behavior.
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Application to physical activity
SCT can be applied to physical activity by focusing on increasing self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and observational learning. For example, interventions can help people to:
- Increase their self-efficacy by providing them with opportunities to experience success with physical activity.
- Develop positive outcome expectations by providing them with information about the benefits of physical activity.
- Increase their exposure to positive role models who are physically active.
Theory 2: Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
TPB was developed by Icek Ajzen and is based on the idea that behavior is influenced by three factors:
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Attitude: A person's evaluation of a behavior.
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Subjective norm: A person's perception of what others think they should do.
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Perceived behavioral control: A person's belief in their ability to perform a behavior.
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Application to physical activity
TPB can be applied to physical activity by focusing on changing attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. For example, interventions can help people to:
- Develop more positive attitudes towards physical activity.
- Increase their perception that others think they should be physically active.
- Increase their belief in their ability to be physically active.
Theory 3: Health Belief Model (HBM)
HBM was developed by Hochbaum, Rosenstock, and Kegels and is based on the idea that people are more likely to take action to prevent a health problem if they believe that:
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They are susceptible to the health problem.
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The health problem is serious.
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The benefits of taking action outweigh the barriers.
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They are capable of taking action.
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Application to physical activity
HBM can be applied to physical activity by focusing on increasing people's perceptions of susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, and barriers. For example, interventions can help people to:
- Increase their awareness of the risks of physical inactivity.
- Understand the seriousness of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Learn about the benefits of physical activity.
- Identify and address barriers to physical activity.
Conclusion
The theory that is best suited for understanding physical activity behavior is SCT. SCT is a comprehensive theory that takes into account the multiple factors that influence behavior. SCT has been shown to be effective in promoting a wide range of health behaviors, including physical activity.
Evidence-based intervention
One evidence-based intervention that applies SCT to physical activity is the pedometer intervention. Pedometer interventions provide people with pedometers to track their daily step counts. Pedometers can help people to increase their self-efficacy by providing them with feedback on their progress. Pedometers can also help people to develop positive outcome expectations by providing them with a tangible measure of their physical activity.
Reasoning
The pedometer intervention is appropriate for SCT because it addresses all three of the key factors that influence behavior according to SCT. The pedometer intervention can increase self-efficacy by providing people with feedback on their progress. The pedometer intervention can also develop positive outcome expectations by providing people with a tangible measure of their physical activity. Additionally, the pedometer intervention can increase observational learning by providing people with a visible reminder of their physical activity goals.
Sample Answer
Public health topic: Physical activity
Importance: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. In the United States, physical inactivity is estimated to cause 250,000 deaths per year.
Data and facts: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 23% of adults meet the federal guidelines for physical activity. These guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week, or a combination of both.