Table 2.

Application of the Common Sense Model to the current study.

Common Sense Model theme	CSM theme description	CSM theme application to the current study
Identity	The label the person uses to describe the illness, symptoms or health threat viewed as being part of the disorder.	Descriptions and perceptions of the health conditions, and perceptions of bowel cancer.
Cause	Beliefs about what caused the symptoms or illness.	Beliefs about the cause of symptoms, the cause of the positive stool test and beliefs about screening.
Timeline	The expected duration of the symptoms or illness.	Expected duration of the screening journey and chronic nature of health conditions.
Consequences	Expected effects and outcomes of the illness.	Expected effects and outcomes of undergoing screening, and perceived impacts of health conditions.
Control/cure	Responsiveness of the symptoms or illness to treatment or self‐management.	Beliefs about bowel screening and control in relation to health conditions, including coping with follow‐up procedures and self‐management in the context of health conditions (e.g., medications).