Intro to theory

Chapter 1: Introduction to Theory

What is a Theory?

  • Theory = way to explain why phenomena occur, or a strategy for solving problems.

  • Health behavior theories specifically aim to explain the reasons behind people's actions (or inactions) concerning their health and propose methods for altering those behaviors.

Where do Theories Come From?

  • The development of theories occurs through:

    • Repeated observations of events or issues + Inductive reasoning (from the observations, what conclusions can we draw?) + Qualitative research

  • The combination of these elements culminates in the formation of a theory.

Inductive vs Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning

  • Begins with observations and builds towards a conclusion.

    • Example:

    • Observation: HIV is transmitted through sexual activity.

    • Observation: Condoms prevent the transmission of diseases during sexual activity.

    • Conclusion: Condoms prevent the transmission of HIV.

Deductive Reasoning

  • Begins with a conclusion and looks for specific observations to support it.

    • Example:

    • Conclusion: Condoms prevent the transmission of HIV.

    • Observation: Condoms prevent the transmission of disease through sexual activity.

    • Observation: HIV is transmitted through sexual activity.

Types of Theories

  • Theories aim to delineate behavior (explanations for why behaviors occur) across three intervention levels:

    1. Intrapersonal (within one individual)

    2. Interpersonal

    3. Community

Intrapersonal Theories

  • Focus on individual internal factors that shape behavior:

    • Skills

    • Knowledge

    • Attitudes

    • Beliefs

    • Motivation

    • Past Experience (ex: bad experience with a vaccine)

Interpersonal Theories

  • How interactions with others affect behavior

    • Sharing thoughts and feelings.

    • Parenting.

    • Providing advice.

    • Offering opinions.

    • Key Question: Who are these influential “other people” in your life?

Community-level Theories

  • How broader social systems influence individual behaviors:

    • Policies

    • Rules and Regulations

    • Laws

Factors Influencing Health Behavior

  • Socioeconomic Status:

    • Comprises education, income, and occupation, with education being a strong predictor of health outcomes.

  • Skills:

    • Skills are essential in addition to knowledge to effectively implement learned information.

  • Culture:

    • Culture greatly affects behavior through established practices, values, and beliefs.

    • Key Question: How does your culture affect your health behavior?

Further Influencing Factors

  • Beliefs:

    • Beliefs are personal convictions of what is true and relate closely to cultural aspects.

  • Attitudes:

    • Composed of a series of beliefs that shape behavior.

    • Example: What are your beliefs and attitudes towards flu vaccinations?

  • Values:

    • Values reflect what individuals hold in high esteem and influence behaviors accordingly.

    • Example: If you value the environment, what related behaviors might emerge?

  • Religion:

    • Religion affects values and beliefs, often intertwined with culture.

    • Example: What behaviors in your life are influenced by your religious beliefs?

  • Gender:

    • Gender may impact health behaviors, leading to differences observed in the health practices of different genders.

    • Example: Consider the differences in health behaviors observed among males and females you know.

Parts of a Theory

  • The basic components of a theory are:

    1. Concept

    2. Constructs

    3. Variables

Concept

  • The concept of a theory refers to the foundational idea or principle from which the theory derives. An example is:

    • Self-Efficacy Theory:

    • Concept: Individuals are more likely to engage in actions they believe they can succeed in, while they are less likely to attempt actions they perceive as beyond their ability.

Constructs

  • Constructs denote the application of the theory's concept. For example, under Self-Efficacy Theory:

    • The central concept related to belief in personal ability manifests through four key constructs:

    • Mastery experiences: Previous successes that boost confidence.

    • Vicarious learning: Learning through observing others' successes or failures.

    • Verbal persuasion: Motivation and support received from others.

    • Physical and emotional state: The individual’s reactions and feelings about a certain behavior.

Variables

  • Variables specify how the concept is quantified or assessed.

    • In Self-Efficacy Theory, variables measure the extent to which an individual's belief in their capabilities affects their behaviors.

Models

  • A model is defined as an amalgamation of concepts from various theories that are integrated.

Illustration of Theoretical Constructs

  • Figure 1.1 Explanation:

    • Bricks represent concepts, while houses symbolize theories. Constructs can be visualized as steps or pathways leading to understanding, with variables signifying how these constructs are measured (e.g., through size, color, or number of bricks).