Health Belief Model

Health Belief Model (pronunciation: /hɛlθ bɪˈliːf ˈmɒdəl/) is a psychological model that attempts to explain and predict health behaviors. This is done by focusing on the attitudes and beliefs of individuals. The Health Belief Model was first developed in the 1950s by social psychologists Irwin M. Rosenstock, Hochbaum, Leventhal, and Kegels working in the U.S. Public Health Services.

Etymology

The term "Health Belief Model" is derived from its focus on an individual's health beliefs and attitudes. The word 'health' comes from the Old English 'hælth', meaning 'wholeness, a being whole, sound or well'. The word 'belief' comes from the Old English 'geleafa', meaning 'faith, trust in God'. The word 'model' comes from the Latin 'modulus', meaning 'measure, standard', and in this context refers to a simplified representation of a system or phenomenon.

Concept

The Health Belief Model proposes that a person's belief in a personal threat of an illness or disease together with a person's belief in the effectiveness of the recommended health behavior or treatment will predict the likelihood the person will adopt the behavior. The model is based on the understanding that a person will take a health-related action if that person:

1. Feels that a negative health condition can be avoided, 2. Has a positive expectation that by taking a recommended action, he/she will avoid a negative health condition, and 3. Believes that he/she can successfully take a recommended health action.

Related Terms

• Perceived susceptibility: This refers to a person's subjective perception of the risk of acquiring an illness or disease.
• Perceived severity: This refers to a person's feelings on the seriousness of contracting an illness or disease, or of leaving the illness or disease untreated.
• Perceived benefits: This refers to a person's perception of the effectiveness of various actions available to reduce the threat of illness or disease.
• Perceived barriers: This refers to a person's perception of the obstacles to behavior change.
• Cues to action: This refers to the triggers for the health-promoting behavior.
• Self-efficacy: This refers to the level of a person's confidence in their ability to successfully perform a behavior.

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