Unit 30 – Health Psychology
Models of health related behaviour and contemporary issues in health psychology.

In this assignment I will concentrate on two theories of behaviour; health belief model (HBM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action. I will also look at factors that affect our approach to health and illness; poverty and age. Finally I will look at two different specific health issues; addiction and eating disorders, I will also look at the similarities and the differences between eating disorders and addictions.

P1. In this part of my assignment I will describe 2 different theories of behaviour change in relation to health. The Health Belief Model was originally founded by Rosenstock in 1966 and was later amended by
Environment sanitation – if living next to a landfill site, you are at higher risk of contracting infections, as you are inhaling dangerous fumes and various different parasites.
Adequate diet – people who live in poverty might not be able to afford healthy foods, healthier foods are currently more expensive; you can buy 5 apples for £1.00 or you can buy 5 packs of noodles for 50p.
Secure housing – everyone has the right to live in a safe environment, for those that live in poverty this might not be achievable, they might have a flat, but it might not be safe and secure, with suitable locks, to keep intruders out.
Crime rates – if people live in a high crime area, they might not want to go outside. Alternatively those who live in poverty might turn to petty crime, in order to get the things they need to survive.
Basic education – those who have basic education in what are right and what is wrong, they will know about protection against diseases and infections.
Income generating opportunities – for those who have lower education levels, are less likely to get a well-paid job, this links well to the point made above.
Access to healthcare – for those that live in poverty, access to healthcare facilities will be limited; they might not be able to afford appointments or prescriptions.
Poverty can influence a person’s response to health and illness;
They have limited access to healthcare facilities; GP’s, dentists, pharmacies, so things such as chest