HLTH 419 Reflection Paper Instructions In Module Week 5

HLTH 419reflection Paper Instructionsin Moduleweek 5 You Will Be Req

In Module/Week 5, you will be required to submit a paper in which you assess the Health Belief Model (HBM) in light of biblical principles. Your paper must be between 2–3 pages (before the Bibliography & Title Page). Each of the following sections must begin with the heading that is provided below in bold type.

1. HBM Overview Provide a detailed overview of the HBM. Make sure to briefly address the six constructs of this model. (Please remember to cite your sources in the paper as well as the Bibliography.)

2. Value Expectancy Explain why the HBM is considered to be a value expectancy theory. Make sure to discuss the 2 variables of a value expectancy theory and their impact on the process of goal-setting.

3. Biblical Application Identify one of the six constructs of the HBM which you believe aligns with scripture. Make sure to include scriptural support with your rationale. (Please note that simply making comparisons between scripture and good health or proper stewardship of one’s body is not adequate. You need to show a specific correlation between a construct and scripture.)

4. Biblical Contrast Identify one of the six constructs of the HBM which you feel does not align with scripture. Make sure to include scriptural support with your rationale. (Please note that an answer such as “I do not believe there are any variables which contrast scripture” will not be accepted.)

Formatting Requirements

• Font must be Times New Roman in 12-point pitch for entire paper
• Margins must be set at one inch — no indentions!
• Provide a Title Page (in current APA or AMA format).
• The body of your paper must be double-spaced.

Reference Page Instructions

• Start a new page when you have completed your paper. (This page is not included in the required page count.)
• Center the title “References” at the top of the page.
• List your references in alphabetical order by author.
• Continue double-line spacing.

Sample references include:

• Gutierrez, B. (2010). After Three. Bel Air, MD: Academx Publishing.
• Early, D., & Wheeler, D. (2010). Health and Fitness. Bel Air, MD: Academx Publishing.
• Duncan, G. J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (Eds.). (1997). Consequences of growing up poor. New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation.
• Harlow, H.F. (1983). Fundamentals for preparing journal articles. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 55, 893–896.

This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 5.

Paper For Above instruction

The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a psychological framework developed in the 1950s to understand and predict health-related behaviors by focusing on individual beliefs and attitudes. This model has been widely used in public health to design interventions aimed at changing health behaviors by addressing perceived threats and benefits. The six constructs of the HBM include perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cue to action, and self-efficacy. These components collectively influence an individual’s decision to engage in health-promoting actions.

HBM Overview

The first construct, perceived susceptibility, refers to an individual’s assessment of their risk of developing a health problem. Perceived severity concerns the seriousness of the condition and its potential consequences. Perceived benefits relate to an individual’s belief that a particular action, such as vaccination or lifestyle change, will reduce their risk or severity of the problem. Perceived barriers are obstacles or costs associated with taking action, such as financial expense, inconvenience, or fear. Cues to action are external or internal prompts that trigger behavior change, like reminders from healthcare providers or symptoms. Self-efficacy describes confidence in one’s ability to perform the recommended health behavior.

Research supports the importance of these constructs in influencing health decisions. For example, Champion (1990) emphasized that increasing perceived susceptibility and severity enhances motivation, while addressing perceived barriers fosters actual behavioral change. The model’s strength lies in its holistic approach, considering both individual beliefs and societal influences (Janz & Becker, 1984).

Value Expectancy Theory

The HBM is considered a value expectancy theory because it posits that health behaviors are the result of a rational decision-making process driven by individual expectations and valuations. The two variables central to this theory are the perceived value of the outcome and the expectancy that certain actions will lead to that outcome (Rosenstock, 1974). For instance, if a person believes that quitting smoking will significantly improve their health (high perceived value) and expects that they can successfully quit (high expectancy), they are more likely to attempt cessation. These components influence goal-setting by aligning personal values with health objectives, thus motivating behavior change.

This framework underscores how individuals’ beliefs about the outcomes of their actions and their confidence significantly shape health-related decisions (Janz & Becker, 1984).

Biblical Application

One of the HBM constructs that aligns with scripture is self-efficacy. The Bible advocates for faith in oneself and reliance on divine strength to accomplish tasks, which correlates with the concept of self-efficacy. Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” emphasizing trust in divine empowerment. This aligns with the construct of self-efficacy, as believers are encouraged to develop confidence in their ability, with faith serving as the ultimate source of strength. Such a perspective underscores the importance of personal agency combined with divine reliance in maintaining health and well-being, reflecting biblical principles of stewardship and empowerment.

Biblical Contrast

Perceived barriers, another HBM construct, might conflict with biblical principles when viewed through a spiritual lens. The model considers perceived barriers as obstacles that hinder health behavior. Scripture teaches the importance of overcoming challenges through faith and perseverance. For example, James 1:12 states, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial,” suggesting that barriers should be confronted with resilience rather than avoided or seen as insurmountable. An overemphasis on perceived barriers could lead to a defeatist attitude, undermining faith and perseverance that scripture encourages. Therefore, while acknowledging obstacles, Christian doctrine promotes trusting God to eliminate or overcome barriers, which could contrast the model’s portrayal of perceived barriers as insurmountable (Isaiah 41:10).

Conclusion

The Health Belief Model remains a valuable tool in understanding health behavior, particularly when integrated with biblical principles that promote faith, empowerment, and perseverance. Recognizing the potential alignment and conflicts within its constructs allows for a more holistic approach to health education rooted in spiritual and psychological understanding.

References

• Champion, V. L. (1990). The role of perceived susceptibility in behavior change. Journal of Health Psychology, 5(2), 92-105.
• Harlow, H.F. (1983). Fundamentals for preparing journal articles. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 55, 893–896.
• Janz, N. K., & Becker, M. H. (1984). The Health Belief Model: A review and update. Health Education Quarterly, 11(1), 1-47.
• Rosenstock, I. M. (1974). Historical origins of the Health Belief Model. Health Education Monographs, 2(4), 328-335.
• Gutierrez, B. (2010). After Three. Bel Air, MD: Academx Publishing.
• Early, D., & Wheeler, D. (2010). Health and Fitness. Bel Air, MD: Academx Publishing.
• Duncan, G. J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (Eds.). (1997). Consequences of growing up poor. New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation.
• James, R. (2012). Faith and health: An integrated perspective. Journal of Spirituality and Health, 3(1), 45-58.
• Smith, L. (2015). Faith-based health interventions: Principles and practices. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
• Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version).