Why is it so difficult to start a healthy habit, and why is it even harder to break a harmful one? This topic introduces you to the core behavioral models health psychologists use to predict, understand, and influence human actions. We will contrast health-promoting behaviors with health-compromising actions and unpack foundational psychology frameworks, including the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), the Health Belief Model, and the Theory of Planned Behavior. You will learn to compare these models, critique their cultural limitations, and see how they are applied to design real-world behavioral interventions

Health-Promoting Behaviors

Health-Compromising Behaviors

Factors That Determine Health Behaviors

Key Theories of Health Behavior Change

Transtheoretical Model (TTM)

The Health Belief Model

Theory of Planned Behavior

Additional Theories of Health Behavior Change

Comparing the Models and Their Limitations

Changing Behaviors: Interventions