Table 1.

Health Behavior Theories: Clinical Application to Treatment Linkage and Adherence

Theory
Key Concept
Health Belief Model
Perceived Susceptibility	Belief at risk for negative outcomes
Perceived Severity	Belief problem is serious enough to warrant treatment
Perceived Benefits	Belief about benefits of treatment
Perceived Barriers	Beliefs about internal/external barriers to treatment
Cues to Action	Factors that increase treatment “readiness”
Self-efficacy	Belief about capability to follow treatment recommendations
Stages of Change
Precontemplation	No intention to seek treatment in near future
Contemplation	Intention to initiate treatment in near future
Preparation	Steps taken to initiate treatment with plan to take additional steps soon
Action	Has linked to treatment, still within initial phase
Maintenance	Adherence maintained for significant time
Theory of Planned Behavior
Behavioral Intention	Intention to link with and adhere to treatment
Attitude	Belief that treatment is of value
Subjective Norm	Family and friends' beliefs about treatment
Behavioral Control	Belief has power in treatment decisions or therapy process