terveysuskomusmalli

Terveysuskomusmalli, or the health belief model, is a psychological framework used to explain and predict health-related behaviors. Developed in the 1950s by social psychologists Irving M. Rosenstock, B. Becker, and K. E. Kegeles, it was initially designed to understand why people fail to participate in preventive health programs. The model emphasizes the role of individual perceptions and beliefs in shaping health behaviors, particularly regarding preventive actions.

The core components of the health belief model include perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Perceived susceptibility refers to an individual’s belief about the likelihood of contracting a particular health condition. Perceived severity involves the seriousness of the condition and its potential consequences. Perceived benefits and barriers assess whether a person believes a recommended health action will be effective and the obstacles they may face in adopting it. Cues to action are external stimuli that trigger a person to take preventive action, such as media campaigns or doctor’s advice. Self-efficacy, added later by Albert Bandura, reflects an individual’s confidence in their ability to perform the recommended behavior.

The model has been widely applied in public health to encourage behaviors like flu vaccinations, cancer screenings, and smoking cessation. Critics note its limitations, such as a focus on individual rather than social or environmental factors, and its tendency to overlook cultural and socioeconomic influences. Despite these critiques, the health belief model remains a foundational tool in health education and behavioral change interventions. It continues to be adapted and integrated with other theories to improve its explanatory power and practical utility.