PREDICTING HEALTH BEHAVIOUR:

Abstract

The book Predicting Health Behaviour: Research and Practice with Social Cognition Models, second edition, edited by Mark Conner and Paul Norman, examines the psychological and social factors that influence human health behaviour. It explores how individuals’ beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, intentions, and confidence in their abilities affect their decisions to engage in health-related activities. The book presents several social cognition models, including the Health Belief Model, Protection Motivation Theory, the Theory of Planned Behaviour, health locus of control, and self-efficacy, explaining their application in understanding and predicting different health behaviours. It also considers behaviours such as dietary choices, health screening, and sexual health practices. The second edition expands the discussion by incorporating volitional models and stage models, highlighting the importance of translating behavioural intentions into actual actions. Through research findings and practical examples, the book demonstrates how these theoretical models can be applied to health psychology, public health research, and health promotion interventions. It also examines the strengths and limitations of the models, providing insights into the factors that facilitate or hinder behaviour change. Overall, the book provides a valuable theoretical and practical foundation for students, researchers, health professionals, and health promoters seeking to understand, predict, and influence health-related behaviours and develop more effective strategies for improving public health.