Abstract
An overview is presented of the psychological theories and models that underlie the intervention used in many individual-based health behavior change programs to show theoretically based strategies for health behavior change.
Reviewed are the stimulus response theory, social learning theory, health belief model, decisional balance model, and stages of change model. A number of psychobehavioral strategies based on these theories and models can be used by health promotion specialists to motivate clients toward healthier behavior changes and to guide the clients' actions while they make these changes. Theoretical frameworks can help health promotion specialists during the various stages of planning, implementing, and evaluating an intervention. All interventions for health behavior change need to be planned and evaluated according to proven theories and models.
The theories and strategies discussed in this paper are focused on the individual-centered approach to health behavior change. Health promotion intervention must be integrated with the social environment-centered approach for influencing behavior at the group, organization, and community levels.
