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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Mar 1.
Published in final edited form as: AIDS Behav. 2013 Mar;17(3):1116–1128. doi: 10.1007/s10461-012-0137-x

Table 1.

Constructs utilized in the most commonly employed theoretical frameworks in HIV prevention intervention with evidence of efficacya

Theory Selected Constructs Definition
Social Learning/Social Cognitive Theory (5, 63) Reciprocal Determinism The interaction between internal cognitive processes and the external environment that facilitate behavior change
Self-Efficacy The confidence to perform a behavior, even given difficult or challenging circumstances
Observational Learning Having an important other, someone you admire (e.g. adult such as a coach or teacher) perform a behavior, thereby making it attractive
Behavioral Capability The skills to perform a behavior
Expectations and Expectancies The expected outcome of performing a behavior; appraisal of what good or bad things will happen once it is enacted— influenced by behavioral beliefs
Emotional Coping Responses Strategies utilized in response to emotional triggers
Theory of Reasoned Action/Theory of Planned Behavior (6) Attitudes (Positive and Negative Outcome Expectancies) The expected outcome of performing a behavior; appraisal of what good or bad things will happen once it is enacted— influenced by behavioral beliefs
Subjective Norms Perception of the behaviors that others like you would adopt or reject- influenced by normative beliefs (values) and motivation to be like a peer
Intentions Specific plans to enact a behavior
Perceived Behavioral Control The extent to which an individual believes they have the power to change
Information, Motivation and Behavior (64) Information Information about how to perform a behavior and on why it is desirable and necessary for change
Motivation Impetus or desire to change must be present in order for change to occur
Skills Individuals must have specific skills to enact behavior change; specific to the desired behavior
a

Shown across numerous studies including meta analyses to be related to changes in behavioral outcomes and to consistently explain a high proportion of variance in behavioral outcomes.