Describe the constructs of Health Belief Model apply to how to reduce stress in life - Assignment Example

Health Belief Model and Stress Reduction in Drug Abuse After identifying and describing my unhealthy behavior,as well as exploring the cognitive issues surrounding it, it is now time to take action. Action in this case is the decision to step up and adopt strategies aimed at eliminating my behavior, which is stress. However, this is a very challenging and the most difficult phase in the whole process. This is because I will receive several experience, which are best explained using the constructs of Health Belief Model.

First, my situation is representative of the broader issue in the American society. This is because people have busy schedules in an attempt to meet the demands of work, school, and family responsibilities. As such, stress is a big issue and health concern, as it leads to diseases such as depression and high blood pressure. I am aware of my tendency to be stressed easily over things that take place around me, and I also know that stress has a health consequence. Furthermore, there is a history of high blood pressure in my maternal side of the family; all these mark my perceived susceptibility (King et al., 2012). With respect to perceived severity, I am aware that if I fail to control my behavior of getting stressed easily, it can result into serious health problems, that is, I may develop depression related disorder, stomach ulcers, or at worst high blood pressure.

This leaves me with no choice, but to eliminate the habit because with respect to perceived benefits, I would love to enjoy a stress free life, and adult and old age free of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension. Therefore, the perceived seriousness of failing to control my stress relates closely with the perceived benefits. I believe a considerable effort in controlling my stressful habit will benefit me in several ways; first, it will make me healthy and stable emotionally (Dewar et al., 2013).

Second, it will eliminate chances of developing hypertension, which may make cause premature birth of my baby. Third, I will not be at risk of developing depression or anxiety related disorders, as well as stomach ulcers. However, the greatest perceived barrier to achieving my goal is my emotional instability and tendencies of anxiety (Cooke & Sheeran, 2012). In addition, I find it hard to control myself when I encounter potential stressful situations. With respect to the cognitive elements discussed in assignment two, I will apply transactional model and cognitive restricting to help me evaluate situations before making decisions, and desist from unhealthy thoughts respectively (Voisin, Stone & Becker, 2013).

The cues to action in my case is a reminder from my gynecologist that I need to stay stress-free in order to have a healthy pregnancy, and avoid developing high blood pressure that may be a health risk both to me and my baby. Finally, concerning self-efficacy, I am self-confidence that I will achieve my set goal of controlling stressful tendencies. I acknowledge it is not an easy task, but I have dedicated myself to achieving this, and given the determination I always put in all my tasks, I am sure this will be successful.

For support, I will share this with my partner and close friends so that they can also keep me in check and encourage me whenever I try to relapse and give in to my stressful habit. This will boost my morale and give me the strength that I need to accomplish this goal. ReferencesCooke, R., & Sheeran, P. (2012). Moderation of cognition intention and cognition-behavior relations: A meta-analysis of properties of variables from the theory of planned behavior. British Journal of Social Psychology, 43, 159-187.Dewar, D., Plotnikoff, R.

, Morgan, P., Okely, A., Costigan, S., &Lubans, D. (2013). Testing Social-cognitive theory to explain physical activity change in adolescent girls from low- income communities. Research Quarterly For Exercise and Sport, 84(4), 483-491.King, K. A., Singh, M., Bernard, A., Merianos, A. L., &Vidourek, R. A. (2012). Employing thehealth belief model to examine stress management among college students. American Journal of Health Studies, 27(4), 192-203.Voisin, D., Stone, J., & Becker, M. (2013).

The Impact of the Ant tobacco Norm on the SelectedMode of Cognitive Dissonance Reduction. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 43(1), 57-67.