Health behavior models compared

Authors

P D. Mullen
James C. Hersey
Donald C. Iverson, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

57651

Publication Details

Mullen, P. D., Hersey, J. C. & Iverson, D. C. (1987). Health behavior models compared. Social Science and Medicine, 24 (11), 973-981.

Abstract

This study compares the health belief, Fishbein/Ajzen, and PRECEDE models to predict changes in smoking, exercise, and consumption of sweet and fried foods over an eight-month interval. Data were collected from a panel of 326 adults in two large cities of the western United States. The PRECEDE model accounted for more variance in behavior than both the Fishbein/Ajzen and health belief models, but it required far more questions. Fishbein/Ajzen and PRECEDE provide a limited theoretical basis for selecting specific types of beliefs or predisposing factors without turning to the health belief model, making the health belief model complementary to either Fishbein/Ajzen or PRECEDE.