Planned Behavior Theory

Theory of Planned Behavior
Health promotion is an essential component of health care as it is mainly concerned with encouraging behaviors that result n positive health outcomes such as reduced risk of infection, weight loss, or proper nutrition. Understanding the factors that influence behavior change is important to the health care professional involved in health education and promotion as it enables them to plan and implement programs that are likely to have the greatest impact on the target audience (Edelman, Kudzma & Mandle, 2013; Bartholomew, 2011). Health behavior has been studied by numerous researchers and several models explain the factors that influence an individual’s decision to adopt behavior changes that are aimed at promoting

For instance, in the case where a person may want to change their over-eating behavior, the various constructs of the theory can be used to predict their success in behavior change. First, the perceived benefits of portion control such as maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk for obesity and related conditions are likely to act as a motivation factor for me to begin better management of food portions. Second, the perceived subjective norm is favorable as portion control is accepted as a healthy behavior in society, and is likely to result to a slimmer body physique that is generally regarded as ideal. Finally, I have access to several resources, including health information, which will help me gain greater control over the behavior, thus increasing my chances of practicing better portion control in the future. Together, my beliefs with regards to portion control are likely to cause a strong intention to adopt healthy

The tool is an abbreviation for specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused, and time bound, describing the nature of goals that an individual should set to help them attain their goals successfully (Bolitho, Lawrence & McNish, 2013). For instance, in my case I can make the following SMART goal with regards to portion control: “In a month’s time, I want to be consuming a 2000kcal diet with less than 50% of the energy coming from carbohydrates”.
• Specific: “2000kcal diet” is specific compared to simply stating “I want to practice portion control”.
• Measurable: It is possible to measure the portion sizes based on my energy content, and a comparison made between the values at the beginning and end of one month.
• Attainable: The standard portion size is 2000kcal, which is more attainable compared to 1500kcal.
• Results-focused: The focus of the exercise is to adhere to a 2000kcal diet in 30 days.
• Time bound: The period is specified (one month), holding the person accountable.