Improving Practice through Updating Our Theoretical Base

Abstract

If there is nothing more practical than a good theory, as Lewin indicated, then one of the best ways to improve practice is to update and codify our theoretical base. A half-dozen newer concepts needing integration into community health education theory include an “audience” oriented mass communication orientation, a problem-solver perspective, a more sophisticated notion of perception, a refocusing of the attitude/behavior change continuum, emphasis on “other-orientation,” and an updated learning theory. These combine to re-emphasize the need for communities to be involved in and take charge of the learning process and to work on structural changes to avoid victim-blaming.