Introduction

As you now know, the field of health psychology is a result of recognition that behaviors are major determinants of health and illness. It follows, then, that an important goal is to investigate the factors that determine behaviors that enhance or compromise health. If we know what predicts health behaviors, then we have a better chance of increasing health-enhancing behaviors and decreasing health-compromising behaviors.

Your text outlines the many factors that influence health behaviors, such as age, personal control, social influence, and cognitive factors. Health psychologists have combined some of those factors into models used to predict behaviors and behavior change. This chapter will introduce you to these models. As you read the chapter, consider your own experience. You will use your own experience and the information in the chapter to complete a reflection assignment for this lesson. 

Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to apply the following aspects of health behaviors and behavior change to a personal situation:

• Factors associated with health behaviors
• Barriers to behavior change
• Methods of encouraging health-enhancing behaviors
• Models of  behavior change
• Approaches to changing health behaviors
• Factors associated with relapse
• Stage of Change model
• Venues for changing health behaviors.

To Get You Started…

Consider your own health behaviors. What are some positive behaviors? Do you always wear seat belts? Do you floss your teeth every night? Do you eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day? Why do you do these things? What keeps you doing them? Do you have any negative behaviors that you would like to change? Have you ever tried to change them? What did you do? Did it work?

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Course Schedule.

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