Health Belief Model And The Theory Of Planned Behavior

Throughout what I have learned in this course, one of the most insightful concepts has been the significance of perceived control in health psychology. Perceived control not only influences attitudes and behaviors, but also significantly impacts health outcomes. The Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior highlight how perceived control shapes health-related behaviors such as diet, exercise, and adherence to medical treatments. The Health Belief Model explains how people's attitudes and beliefs influence their health behaviors. It says that health-related behavior is influenced by perceived susceptibility to illness, perceived severity, perceived benefits of taking action, and perceived control. The Theory of Planned Behavior

It focuses on the cognitive appraisal and coping process, where perceived control is vital in how individuals assess and deal with stress. According to this model, people who feel in control are more likely to use problem-focused coping strategies, effectively handling stressful situations and reducing their impact on health. This idea is also supported by theories such as attributions and control theory, self-efficacy and control theory, and the reality of control, which emphasize that if an individual believes they can control a stressor, the stress response is diminished and has less impact on health (Ogden, 2019). Not only that, but perceived control also affects overall health. Studies show that individuals with an internal locus of control, who believe their actions determine life outcomes, tend to report higher satisfaction with their health and demonstrate better physical and mental well-being. They generally have a more positive outlook on their health, engage in healthier behaviors, and invest more in social relationships, all of which contribute to improved overall health (Kesavayuth et al.,