what is theory

Change theory

guides the development of health interventions. It spells out concepts that can be translated into program messages and strategies, and offers a basis for program evaluation

distal Influences on behavior

outer level factors indirectly affect individual. The outer levels (distal) effect inter levels(proximal) (ex building a community jogging track and bike trail) include the availability of being able to get it or do it. example:my parents buy me fruits and vegetables

community

Social networks and norms, or standards, which exist as formal or informal among individuals, groups, and organizations

theory as a mediator

Theories are used as mediator to get to the change you want. Theories increase likelihood of people keeping behavior change we want. You can create change without theory, but change allows you to actually see and measure the change happening.

How Can Theory Help Plan Effective Programs

Theory gives planners tools for moving beyond intuition to design and evaluate health behavior and health promotion interventions based on understanding of behavior a program planner uses a palette of behavior theories, skillfully applying them to develop unique, tailored solutions to problems theory guides the search for reasons why people do or do not engage in certain health behaviors

constructs

are concepts developed or adopted for use in a particular theory. The key concepts of a given theory are its constructs. more developed concept, created/adopted for use with specific theory. Key concepts of a theory. Are more broad. Self-efficacy is example.

variables

are the operational forms of constructs. They define the way a construct is to be measured in a specific situation. Match variables to constructs when identifying what needs to be assessed during evaluation of a theory- driven program. specify how construct is to be measured in specific situation. operational forms of constructs. Examples: how confident are you that you can__? is narrower and defined, similar to construct.

interpersonal

between people interpersonal processes and primary groups, including family, friends, and peers that provide social identity, support, and role definition

Concepts

building blocks/primary elements of theory. self-esteem is example

model

combined mix of ideas/concepts from a number of theories used together. may draw on a number of theories to help understand a particular problem in a certain setting or context. They are not always as specified as theory.

3 dimensions of health behavior

complexity, frequency, volitionality

volitionality

degree of personal control over a behavior. Tied to environment ( I can get birth control easily here but not in other areas) High volitionality= complete control over that behavior ie they don't need outside help to complete it (brushing your teeth) or low volitionality= rely on outside help (eating fruits= you need access to fruit trees or vendors)

Explanatory theory

describes the reasons why a problem exists. It guides the search for factors that contribute to a problem (e.g., a lack of knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, or resources

complexity

how complex that behavior is to perform. behaviors may be highly complex, meaning they need high level of knowledge, skill, and resources to perform. Things have high or low complexity depend on person. Example= condom use, skills are not intuitive. You need to be taught so it has high complexity. Complexity is also a function of environment, not only in the skill of the behaviors. Examples: boiling water here is easy because we have stoves (low complexity), but in other areas it's not as easy (high complexity)

frequency

how often we do a behavior. There are various levels of frequency. It can be repetitive (daily) one time only, or periodic. Complexity and frequency are interrelated. You can have high complexity (eating good foods) and high frequency of doing it repeatedly or vice versa

proximal Influences on behavior

inner level factors close to the individual. Influences (ex. Perception that aerobic exercise is normative, easy to work out with friends) ex: since my parents buy me fruits and vegetables(distal influence) I like the way fresh fruit tastes (proximal influence)Th

Theory

interrelated concepts or definitions that present a view of events or situations by showing relationships to explain or predict future events. explains behavior and suggest ways to achieve behavior change. There is no single health promotion theory that will work for everything. Theory keeps us from randomly attempting to change behavior and helps to develop an organized, systematic approach to investigate health behavior

Targeting

involves using information about shared characteristics of a population subgroup to create a single intervention approach for that group. ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, age, and geographical location

tailoring

is a process that uses an assessment to derive information about one specific person, and then offers change or information strategies for an outcome of interest based on that person's unique characteristics

public policy

laws, codes, standards

abstract theory

theories are abstract because they are hard to understand and are vague. Theories do not have specific content or topic area. Theories are like coffee cups, there's a shape and boundaries, but nothing inside. They become useful once you fill that space with practical topics, goals, and problems.

Multi-levels of theory

theory can be applied at several levels of the environment. interpersonal intrapersonal community public policy

intrapersonal

within the individual Individual characteristics that influence behavior, such as knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and personality traits