Adherence
Incorporating self-efficacy (confidence in one's ability to perform a behavior) into the Health Belief Model significantly improves the prediction and modification of complex health-related behaviors compared to using the Health Belief Model alone.
To change complex health habits, you need two things: the belief that the change will help you (outcome expectation) AND the belief that you can actually do it (self-efficacy). If you feel you can't do it, break the behavior into smaller steps to build confidence through small wins, or watch someone similar to you succeed. Don't just rely on knowing it's good for you; build the skill and confidence to do it.
We suggest that an expanded Health Belief Model which incorporates perceived self-efficacy will provide a more powerful approach to understanding and influencing health-related behavior than has been available to date.
Why this rating
The paper is a theoretical synthesis citing extensive prior empirical literature (Bandura, Strecher, Janz/Becker) rather than presenting new primary data, but the theoretical framework is robust.
Source
Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model
Irwin M. Rosenstock et al. · Health Education Quarterly · 1988
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