Question 1

Is having an internal locus of control always better for your health?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, yes. An internal locus of control is strongly correlated with adopting and maintaining positive health behaviours. However, an extreme internal LoC can be detrimental if it leads to excessive self-blame and guilt for health conditions that are genuinely outside of personal control, such as genetically determined illnesses or accidents.

Question 2

Are self-efficacy and self-esteem the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No, they are distinct concepts. Self-efficacy is your belief in your ability to succeed in a specific situation or accomplish a specific task (e.g., 'I am confident I can quit smoking'). Self-esteem refers to your overall sense of self-worth and value as a person. You can have high self-esteem but low self-efficacy for a particular health behaviour, and vice-versa.

Question 3

Do people always move through the stages of change in a straight line from precontemplation to maintenance?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a common misconception. The model is cyclical, not linear. It is very common for individuals to relapse and return to an earlier stage. For example, someone in the 'Action' stage of a new diet might have a difficult week and revert to the 'Contemplation' or 'Preparation' stage. The model accounts for this and sees relapse as a normal part of the long-term change process.

Individual factors in changing health beliefs

What you need to know

Individual factors in changing health beliefs