Unit 2: Learning Theories

Health Belief Model and Theory of Reasoned Action

The Health Belief Model was developed in the 1950’s to address non-compliance with health screening programs, mostly concerning disease prevention.  Three key components were identified as influential aspects towards an individual’s likelihood to following health recommendations.  They included:

• Individual Perceptions of the disease:
• How severe is this disease?
• How susceptible am I to this disease?
• Modifying Factors or Variables:
• Sex, age, ethnicity, social class, peer pressure, prior knowledge or contact with this disease
• Cues or Trigger that prompts Action:  Media influence, advice from others, Reminders/Emails from clinic
• Likelihood of Action:
• Depends on the perceived benefit of preventative actions minus the perceived barriers to preventative action.

The Theory of Reasoned Action also stemmed from research that started in the 1950’s.  The main concept that it presented was that individuals behave in accordance with their beliefs and values as well as how others perceive their actions.

•   Our behavior can be determined by:

•   Beliefs, Attitude toward the behavior and Intention 
•   Motivation to be socially acceptable or be a part of a subjective norm.

The Health Belief Model and the Theory of Reasoned Action are both similar in that they take into consideration the outside influences of a person’s behavioral decision.  The Health Belief Model took into consideration modifying factors such as social class and peer pressure, where the Theory of Reasoned Action bought into play the subjective norms that we each strive to comply with.  However, they are very different in that the Theory of Reasoned Action is used to predict an intent to change a specific health behavior and the Health Belief Model is used to predict the likelihood of taking preventative action. 

Both the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Reasoned Action can be used and applied in my workplace.  We are continually concerned with the health prevention and maintenance of chronic conditions exacerbated by preventable complications that subsequently results in a hospital stay or even an ICU admission.  For example, we can use the Health Belief Model to determine why some patients with COPD do not follow through with preventative measures such as receiving the Influenza or Pneumococcal vaccination. The Theory of Reasoned Action can also be used to determine a teaching style for patients that continue to smoke with chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions.

Overall, the models and theories presented in Chapter 6 help the nurse educator to understand a patient's reason for the health decisions they make and aides the educator to reformulate a teaching plan that will successfully influence and motivate the patient to make a behavior change that will benefit their health status.