9990 · 3.5.1
Strategies for promoting health — FAQ
Frequently asked questions for 9990 Strategies for promoting health. Direct answers first, then deeper explanation — then practise with marking.
Are high-fear appeals always ineffective?
Not necessarily. The common misconception is that they never work, based on early studies like Janis and Feshbach (1953). However, later research shows that high-fear messages can be very effective, but they must be paired with information that increases self-efficacy. This means giving the audience a clear, manageable action plan and boosting their confidence that they can carry it out.
Do people always progress through the Stages of Change Model in a straight line?
No, this is a major misconception. The model is specifically designed to be cyclical, not linear. People often move back and forth between stages. For example, a person in the 'Action' stage of quitting smoking might have a cigarette at a party and move back to the 'Contemplation' or 'Preparation' stage. The model treats relapse as a normal part of the long-term process of change.
Is the Health Belief Model just common sense?
While its components might seem intuitive, the model's value lies in formalising these 'common sense' ideas into a structured, testable framework. It provides health professionals with a checklist of specific beliefs to assess and target in a population. For example, if a campaign isn't working, the HBM can help diagnose whether the problem is a low perception of severity, high perceived barriers, or a lack of cues to action, allowing for more targeted interventions.