Becker and Maiman proposed the Health Belief Model in 1975,
which states an individual will take an action that they perceive to be
beneficial to their health if: they will avoid damaging their health (e.g.
exercising to avoid obesity), and they believe they can successfully carry out
that action (e.g. making a realistic goal such as running for 20 minutes a day
not entering a marathon) (University of Twente, n.d.). This model is all based
upon the individual’s perceptions of the health risks and benefits of taking
action. A weakness of the model is that
it suggests someone who doesn’t perceive a risk is unlikely to change their
behaviour, it’s also unlikely if they don’t feel they can do so
successfully. There is little evidence
to support the effectiveness of the model, and where studies have been
conducted it has been found that this model does not predict exercise behaviour
(Taylor et al, 2007).
Social Cognitive
Theory was developed by Bandura in 1997.
He states that a change in behaviour is a product of the interaction
between behaviour, personal factors and environmental factors. Bandura also considers self-efficacy to be an
important personal factor which must exist before any change takes place. The picture below shows how Bandura believes all three factors are interlinked in producing a change in behaviour. It is because of this that a given stimulus could produce different responses from different people and therefore produce a completely different behaviour. The theory is effective in predicting
behaviour and identifies ways of intervening in behaviour.
Taken from: http://www.careers.govt.nz/educators-practitioners/career-practice/career-theory-models/banduras-theory/
In 1986 Ajzen and Madden presented the theory of planned
behaviour. They believe that behaviour
is determined by a person’s intentions, with intention being defined as ‘the
cognitive representation of a person's readiness to perform a given behaviour’
(University of Twente, n.d.). They then
named three factors which influence intentions: attitude towards the behaviour,
subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. If the individual believes they have the
ability to change their behaviour, their attitude is positive and they think
significant others will approve of the decision, then the stronger their
intentions will be. Research has suggested that in terms of exercise, even
though intentions do positively relate to exercise, not all of the antecedents
apply, with subjective norms having little influence on intentions
(Psychlopedia, n.d.). The theory is
useful in predicting behaviour however, as those with the intention to change
their behaviour usually do so.
The trans-theoretical model of behaviour change was produced
by Prochaska and DiClemente in 1983. It
considers six stages thought to be needed to change behaviour, which in this
case would be from an inactive lifestyle to regularly exercising. The six stages are: pre-contemplation, contemplation,
preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse.
1.
Pre-contemplation
Here the individual has no intention of changing their lifestyle within the
short term future.
2.
Contemplation
During this stage the individual is unsure whether they may change their
lifestyle, but have considered it, and are open to new ideas and information.
3.
Preparation
It is at this point
that the individual has decided to take action within the near future (roughly
1 month) and has created an action plan
4.
Action During
this stage the individual has taken action and amended their lifestyle (in the
short term).
5.
Maintenance
By now the individual has committed to change for at least 6 months, and is
trying to avoid relapse.
6.
Relapse The
individual has ceased exercise and returned to their original lifestyle. This can happen at any time, and may occur
more than once.
To move through these stages people must change their
attitude to exercise and how they think about themselves (e.g. eradicating the
‘I don’t have time’ excuse and realising the benefits of exercise on the
body). A downfall of the model is that
you cannot predict at what rate people will move through the stages, and some
people may skip certain stages jumping back and forth.
In conclusion, not all the models which have been developed
have been supported as being effective.
The health belief model for example has not been proven to predict
exercise behaviour. A good point of the
model however, is that it specifically notes the individuals perception is key
to any change in their behaviour, unlike the other models. None of the models explain how to prevent a
relapse from occurring. Research on the
theory of planned behaviour has shown that people with the intention to change
their exercise behaviour normally do so, but not many people have the intention
to do. The model doesn’t explain how to
intervene to change a person’s intentions, unlike the social cognitive theory
which considers interventions. The trans-theoretical model of behaviour is the most detailed theory giving different stages but it doesn't suggest ways of intervening (unlike Bandura's) and preventing a relapse.
References
CareersNZ (n.d.) Bandura's Theory [online] Available from: http://www.careers.govt.nz/educators-practitioners/career-practice/career-theory-models/banduras-theory/ [Accessed 3rd January 2013]
Gill, A. (2012) Unit 018 Exercise Behaviour and Adherence [Presentation] Sport Psychology, HND Sport Coaching, Chesterfield College, December
Psychlopedia (n.d.) Theory of Planned Behaviour[online] Available from: http://www.psych-it.com.au/Psychlopedia/article.asp?id=69 [Accessed 31stDecember 2012]
University of Twente (n.d.) Theory of Planned Behaviour/Reasoned Action [online] Available
from: http://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/Health%20Communication/theory_planned_behavior.doc/
[Accessed 31st December 2012]
Which is the most appropriate theory, in your opinion, that explains the reasons for exercise adherence or dropout?
ReplyDeleteThe most appropriate model for explaining exercise adherence is the Social Cognitive Theory by Bandura. Even though the trans-theoretical model clearly explains the difference stages of behaviour change (which Social Cognitive Theory doesn’t) it doesn’t explain how to intervene in order to prevent relapse or how behaviour is determined in the first place. The model effectively explains how each individual’s behaviour can differ slightly and how different factors interact to determine behaviour and adherence. It also suggests ways of intervention to change behaviour which is important in producing a permanent change and preventing relapse. Bandura also considers self-efficacy to be an important factor for any changes in behaviour to occur, and individuals with a high belief in their own competence are usually more motivated to attempt a difficult task – which permanent behaviour change is. Therefore considering all the different aspects which the theory considers (especially in the relation to the others) it is the most effective model for explaining exercise adherence.
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