Essay On Health Belief Model

846 Words2 Pages

The Health Belief Model originated in the 1950’s by social psychologist in the United States working for the public health services. They were trying to explain the widespread failure of people not wanting to participate in programs to prevent or detect disease (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2008, pg. 46). Since the 1950’s, the model has been widely accepted to conceptualize frameworks in health behavior research in order to both explain change and maintenance in health related behaviors as well as a guide to incorporate health behavior interventions (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2008, pg. 45). The Health Belief Model consist of several key constructs, which are perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self efficacy. According to Rosenstock, 1974, “these combined levels of susceptibility and severity provide the energy or force to act and the perception of benefits provide a preferred path to action (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2008, pg. 49).” In other words, allowing an individual to come to terms with their own health risk and susceptibility may allow people to formulate a change based on their own belief system given the perceived risk or benefits. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition indications for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, “an individual must have a history of exposure to a traumatic event that meets specific criteria in four symptom clusters, which are intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th ed.). The concept of perceived susceptibility to define populations at risk c... ... middle of paper ... ...or change are evidently ongoing. In regards to PTSD I continue talk therapy with the Veterans Affairs and follow up accordingly with constant reminders using calendars, which helps promote a healthy behavior through social interaction and education. I watch my environment and stay away from enablers of substance abuse and triggers that may have a negative impact such as smoking tobacco and excessive drinking. In conclusion, self efficacy, “the conviction that one can successfully execute the behavior required to produce the outcomes expectations (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2008, pg. 49).” I feel very much enabled to change my target health behavior. Through continued education and progress in the Veterans Health System, I am able to stay vigilant in regards to continuing therapy for PTSD, while tackling adverse health behaviors such as excessive drinking or smoking.

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