The Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Health Belief Model - Assignment Example

Fila and Smith (2006) suggest that behaviors are directly driven by three major constructs: attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) (p. 2). Meanwhile, another framework used to explain behavior in terms of health is the Health Belief Model (HBM). Health concerning lifestyle modification is a complex process and addresses the individuals’ perceptions to susceptibility or severity of the problem, benefits of avoiding the risks, barriers in the decision to act the desired behavior (Acuña, 2010, p.

5; Chan, et al, 2009, p. 2610). Discuss the interventions discussed in chapter 7 in the Barkway text using dietary change as an example (that is, how would you, as a health professional get someone to change their dietary behavior based on what you learned in the text).Consider the application of TBP and HBM to the increasing rates of lifestyle diseases like obesity. HBM only increases the individual’s motivation to engage in health-enhancing behaviors by delineating the risks associated with obesity; yet, rates of obesity are still increasing because, despite awareness, individuals find it hard to transpire cognitive learning into actions (Barkway, 2009, p. 136). TPB, on the other hand, seek an understanding of behavior that HBM failed to explain.

TPB emphasizes the role of social cognition and efficacy. An individual who is obese must believe in his capacity to achieve a healthy body (self-efficacy) and must have a social environment that recognizes obesity as harmful to one’s health; thus, making the individual motivated to be in line with the existing norm (Barkway, 2009, p. 136. The role of health professionals in changing one’s dietary behavior focuses on health education and promotion. If combined with theoretical knowledge about behavior-changing frameworks, a health professional can be a facilitator of change (Bastable, et al, 2011, p. 219).