week 6

Many theories can be used to explain patterns in individual behavior

Transtheoretical theory: 5 stages of classification (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance) with regards to individual's safe behaviors

"2 salient factors for predicting movement" to safe behavior adoption are self efficacy and decisional balance

Cons tend to outweigh the pros until the preparation stage

Theory of planned behavior: subjective normals are important factors related to stages of change

In a study of consistent condom usage, African Americans were found to be more consistent than White people, younger teens were more consistent than older, and new relationships were more consistent than established ones

Inconsistent users were more likely to be female, less likely to report being african american, less likely to identify as heterosexual, more likely to report living with a partner

Participants in inconsistent groups reported riskier attitudes, fewer pros of use, more cons, greater number of friends who accepted unsafe sex practices, and greater perceptions of invulnerability to HIV

"progressors" reported higher pros, less cons, and were younger

Those with greater condom communication were 4.5x more likely to progress

Hypothesis that risk attitudes and condom communication would differentiate early v. late stages of change was supported

Peer norms were not associated with movement

In future, interventions could categorize individuals as consistent or inconsistent and target accordingly

For youth, target promoting advantages and model communication with partners

For consistent users, target relapse prevention

Social justice- implies a society that provides fair treatment and share of the rewards of society
to individuals

Development of social justice in 19th century closely related to development of public health

such a deep and close link that is often taken for granted

Social systems affect health and behavior by shaping norms, enforcing patterns of social control, providing opportunities to engage in health behaviors, and encouraging selection of healthy behaviors as a coping strategy

SES- mainly related to income, education level, professional status

systemic racism and discrimination also affect the ability to control one's own life and in turn are associated with biological changes that affect health

Culture and religion directly affects the habits of daily life

Individual behavior CAN be changed, for better or worse.

Easier when the behavior can be substituted

Easier with incentives or increased ease of acces

psychologically linked behaviors are hardest to change

Largely in response to group and population influences

Health belief model: Individuals will change behavior of they believe the condition has serious consequences, taking action will benefit them and outweigh harms, they are exposed to factors that prompt action, and their ability will be successful to perform the action

Behavior economics seek to utilize new understandings about human behavior to change the behavior of clinicians and patients