The Health Belief Model is an inadequate conceptual framework for explaining the motivational dynamics of acceptance or rejection of contraception, although it does satisfy criteria of a good theory in explaining individual disease prevention behavior. Cues to action are the variables in the Model most clearly applicable to contraceptive behavior. The motivational variables, which are more important to the Model, are ambiguous at best is this area, however.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BeckerMHDrachmanRHKirschtJP: Motivations as predictors of health behavior. Health Serv Rep87:852–862, 1972.
2.
BeckerMKabackMRosenstockI: Some influences on public participation in a genetic screening program. J Commun Health1(1):3–14, Fall 1975.
3.
FawcettJT: Psychology and Population: Behavioral Research Issues in Fertility and Family Planning. New York, Population Council, 1970.
4.
GergenK: The Psychology of Behavior Exchange. Reading, Mass, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co, 1969.
5.
GreenLW: Editorial. Health Educ Monogr2:324–325, Winter 1974.
6.
HavelockRG (ed): Planning for Innovation Through Dissemination and Utilization of Knowledge. Ann Arbor, Center for Research on Utilization of Scientific Knowledge, Institute of Social Research, 1973.
7.
HochbaumGM: Public Participation in Medical Screening Programs: A Sociopsychological Study. Public Health Service Publication no 572. Washington, DC, US Govt Printing Office, 1958.
8.
KaslSVCobbS: Health behavior, illness behavior and sick-role behavior. Arch Environ Health I12:246–266, Feb 1966.
9.
KegelesSS: Some motives for seeking preventive dental care. J Am Dent Assoc67:90–98, July 1963.
10.
KerlingerFN: Foundations of Behavioral Research: Educational and Psychological Inquiry. New York, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1964, p 12.
11.
LeventhalHHochbaumGMRosenstockIM: Epidemic impact on the general population in two cities. In The Impact of Asian Influenza on Community Life: A Study in Five Cities. US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service Publication no 766, 1960.
12.
PohlmanEPohlmanJM: The Psychology of Birth Planning. Cambridge, Mass, Schenkman Publishing Co, 1969.
13.
RogersEM: Communication Strategies for Family Planning. New York, The Free Press, 1973, pp 163–164.
14.
RosenstockIM: The Health Belief Model and preventive health behavior. Health Educ Monogr2:354–386, Winter 1974.
15.
RosenstockIM: Historical origins of the Health Belief Model. Health Educ Monogr2:328–335, Winter 1974.
16.
SandbergECJacobsRI: Psychology of the misuse and rejection of contraception. Am J Obstet Gynecol110:227–242, 1971.
17.
WelptonPKKiserC (eds): Social and Psychological Factors Affecting Fertility, vol. 4. New York, Milbank Memorial Fund, 1954.
