Written Assignment U2
Let's analyze the health-related behavior of smoking using the Health Belief Model (HBM). The Health
Belief Model is a psychological model that attempts to explain and predict health behaviors by focusing on
the attitudes and beliefs of individuals.
In the context of smoking, the Health Belief Model can be applied as follows:
1. Perceived Susceptibility: This dimension of the HBM addresses an individual's belief about their
susceptibility to a particular health condition. Smokers may perceive varying degrees of susceptibility
to smoking-related illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Some
individuals may downplay these risks, believing that they are less likely to be affected.
2. Perceived Severity: This dimension involves an individual's perception of the seriousness of the
health condition. Smokers may acknowledge the potential risks but may not perceive them as severe
or life-threatening. For instance, a person might think that smoking-related diseases only happen to
others or that the impact on their health will be minimal.
3. Perceived Benefits: This dimension considers the individual's assessment of the effectiveness of a
recommended health behavior in reducing the risk or seriousness of the health condition. Smokers
might be aware of the benefits of quitting, such as improved lung function and reduced risk of
diseases, but may not believe these benefits outweigh the perceived pleasures or coping mechanisms
that smoking provides.
4. Perceived Barriers: This dimension addresses the obstacles an individual might face in adopting the
recommended health behavior. Smokers may perceive quitting as challenging due to withdrawal
symptoms, fear of weight gain, or the perceived difficulty of breaking the habit. These perceived
barriers can hinder the decision to quit smoking.
5. Cues to Action: This dimension involves factors that prompt individuals to take action. Cues to
action for smoking cessation could include health education campaigns, personal health scares, or
advice from healthcare professionals. The effectiveness of these cues may vary depending on the
individual's receptiveness to external influences.
6. Self-Efficacy: This dimension reflects an individual's confidence in their ability to successfully
perform a recommended health behavior. Smokers who lack self-efficacy in quitting may find it
difficult to overcome the challenges associated with smoking cessation.
Psychosocial influences on smoking behavior include emotional, social, and financial factors. Socially,
individuals may start smoking due to peer pressure or as a means of fitting into a social group.
Emotionally, smoking may serve as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.
Financially, the cost of cigarettes and potential healthcare expenses related to smoking-related illnesses can
be significant, influencing an individual's decision to continue or quit smoking.
One reading that can provide further insights into this analysis is "Health Behavior and Health Education:
Theory, Research, and Practice" by Karen Glanz, Barbara K. Rimer, and K. Viswanath. This book delves
into various health behavior theories, including the Health Belief Model, providing a comprehensive
understanding of factors influencing health behaviors.
In conclusion, the Health Belief Model offers a framework for understanding the complex interplay of
beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions that influence unhealthy behaviors like smoking. Combining this model
with an awareness of psychosocial influences provides a more comprehensive view, which is crucial for
designing effective interventions to promote healthier choices.
