Chapter 6: Primary Prevention & Positive Psychology

Why do we have health behavior theories?

To explain why people act the way they do with their health. They help us predict and change behavior instead of guessing.

What do health behavior theories focus on?

Figuring out the motivators and barriers that make people pick healthy or risky habits.

Biopsychosocial model (what determines health?)

A mix of biological (body), psychological (mind), and social (environment) factors and all three interact.

Biopsychosocial model in action

Stress (psych) can raise blood pressure (bio), especially if you lack friends or support (social).

What are the key parts of the Health Belief Model?

Perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, self efficacy 

What does the Health Belief Model predict?

People act when benefits outweigh barriers and the threat feels real.

What are the main ideas of the Theory of Planned Behavior?

Behavior, Intention, shaped by attitude, social norms, and perceived control.

Example of Theory of Planned Behavior?

You start running because you enjoy it, your friends support you, and you have time to do it.

What are the stages of the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)?

Pre-contemplation → Contemplation → Preparation → Action → Maintenance → Termination/Relapse.

Example of Transtheoretical Model?

A smoker realizes the cost (contemplation), buys patches (preparation), quits (action).

What are limits of these health behavior theories?

They assume we act logically, have control, and forget emotion or environment.

What are the main layers in the Ecological Theory?

Micro (family/friends), Meso (connector between them) Exo (parents work place, community work place), Macro (culture/policy). “Me → My world → The big world.”

What did the Alameda County Study (1972) show?

People with 7 healthy habits (like sleep, breakfast, exercise, not smoking) lived longer and felt better.

What are the three levels of prevention?

Primary = stop it before it starts, Secondary = catch it early, Tertiary = manage the damage

Gain-framed messages

Focus on benefits, best for prevention

Loss-framed messages

Focus on costs, best for detection

What is thriving?

Getting stronger from challenges (bouncing forward)

What is resilience?

The ability to bounce back from stress or failure