S.M - the classic Social Learning Theory (Cognitive) models are suitable for a range of different approaches and interventions, i.e. Becker's/Bandura's Health Belief/Efficacy model, Prochaska and DiClemente's Revolving Door Model, Azjen and Fishbein's Stages of Change Model, Tone's Health Action Model etc

S.M - the classic Social Learning Theory (Cognitive) models are suitable for a range of different approaches and interventions, i.e. Becker's/Bandura's Health Belief/Efficacy model, Prochaska and DiClemente's Revolving Door Model, Azjen and Fishbein's Stages of Change Model, Tone's Health Action Model etc

Dear Dean, Thank you very much for your answers which should be really exciting reading for a medical researcher like me with very limited knowledge about cognitive theories. I highly appreciate your answer and look at them through google.

You should check out BJ Fogg's behavior change model. It's simple, elegant, and easy to apply. In addition, a literature review that you Caen download from this web site, found overwhelmingly positive evidence to support the model. Search on persuasive design.

I guess for some one who is just beginning to explore the field of health behaviour the wise thing to do would be to do a review of the theories that are commonly applied. The textbook by Glanz et al (Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K. (Eds). Health behaviour and health education: Theory, research, and practice (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons) would be a good place to start. It covers most of the commonly used theories and the chapters are presented in an easy to follow manner. It also has examples on how some of the theories are applied to real life situation.

Having said that, i would say that explaining behaviour change in adults may require the use of more than one theory; i find the Health Belief Model and Transtheoritical Model/Stages of change quite useful.

As a postgraduate student at the University of Illinois in the mid 1970s, I initially questioned the purpose of having to study theory about health behavior. This after having been involved in health promotion for over four years as a ‘practitioner’ in New Zealand. I was to find later that it was very common for ‘practitioners’ to also raise such questions – and some still do!

At Illinois, we were introduced to theories / Models such as the Health Belief Model and Fishbein’s Theory of Reasoned Action (later the ‘Theory of Planned Behavior’ etc). We were fortunate that Martin Fishbein was a Professor at the university. I was pleasantly surprised just how relevant these theories were to my practical work in health promotion and soon became an advocate for their use.

Today, most credible health promotion programs have a strong theoretical basis. In fact, it is unlikely national or international funding agencies will consider funding health promotion intervention research unless the theoretical underpinnings are well explained.

Over the years, we have found models and theories very valuable to inform our intervention programs, especially the selection of strategies and methods. The Health Belief Model and the Social Cognitive Theory have been particularly relevant.

In recent years, thanks to the influence of Professor Ken Resnicow we have embraced Self Determination Theory (SDT) used in conjunction with the principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in our intervention development. Ken’s articles on this are recommended.

I agree the Karen Glanz’s (et al) book is an excellent reference for anyone unfamiliar with the use of behavioral theory.

Hey! You may check Health Action Proces Approach (Shwarzer, 2008). I'm working in his idea on behavior change in field of savings. It's suits very well