Common models in health psychology

Three health psychology models are examined in this chapter: the health belief model (HBM), the transtheoretical model (TIM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). They are commonly used in health psychology to try to predict behaviour and to try to change behaviour for the better. The desired change in behaviour could be to enable a client to implement regular breast self-examinations, quit smoking, start exercising or increase compliance with healthcare advice. This chapter examines the evidence for and against these models, how they are applied in research to help understand different underlying factors that can assist in predicting behaviour and how they are applied by health care professionals, such as for interventions. Their limitations are also examined. You should note that these models are not restricted to the area of health psychology but can be used in fields such as environmental psychology too. Although there are many other models used to explain behaviour these are the key models used in health psychology and your understanding of them will help you master and apply other models.