Behavior change -- a summary of four major theories : health belief model, AIDS risk reduction model, stages of change, theory of reasoned action

Four of the most commonly cited theories in HIV prevention literature are briefly described in this booklet: (1) the Health Belief Model, a psychological model developed in the 1950s that attempts to explain and predict health behaviors by focusing on the attitudes and beliefs of individuals; (2) the AIDS Risk Reduction Model, introduced in 1990, which identifies three stages a individual goes through in changing his/her AIDS-related behavior -- recognition that one"s behavior is high-risk, making a commitment to reduce high-risk sexual contacts and increase low-risk activities, and taking action (seeking information, obtaining remedies, and enacting solutions); (3) the Stages of Change Theory, which was introduced in 1982 and explains behavior change as a five-stage process -- precontemplation (the individual has no plans to change), contemplation (she/he thinks about changing), preparation for action, action, and maintenance of new behavior; and (4) the Theory of Reasoned Action, introduced in 1967, which, based on the premise that human beings are rational and can control their behavior, develops a construct linking individual beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and behavior. These models, it is noted, have yet to be extensively applied in research outside the United States, and may not capture the elements necessary for behavior change in every culture or population. Includes references and suggested readings.