Reflection Paper #1 Topic: Health Communication Theories (Student Choice)
There are 3 Health Communication Theories (The Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Social Cognitive Theory) introduced in the course textbook. Students (professionals) will review the 3 theories and select 1 to research (Student’s Choice). Health communication research is aligned with multiple theories and concepts impacting the strategies and approaches to delivering information in an effort to influence actions and behaviors. The following health communication theories are widely used throughout the literature and referenced as follows: The Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Social Cognitive Theory. Health communication theories and models can support disease prevention and health promotion efforts. The theories are adopted in an effort to guide health professionals in the selection of the most appropriate interventions, their development, and their implementation, in an effort to assist in your selection, the following is provided as a brief overview. Please note, the information provided should enable your selection to align with your interests. In composing your Reflection Paper, which is a professional exploratory and perspective development approach backed by evidence-based research where applicable.

 Theory #1: The Health Belief Model (HBM): According to the classic HBM, behavior is determined by perceptions of susceptibility to and the severity of a health threat. Perceived benefits of and barriers to taking action are also direct determinants of behavior, as are cues to action, that is, personal and external cues that may spur adoption of a behavior. This model helps to predict the overall likelihood that an individual will adopt a health-related behavior by utilizing that person’s belief or perception of an illness coupled with their thoughts on the effectiveness of treatment for that illness. In other words, the Health Belief Model suggests that if an individual perceives themselves to be susceptible then the individual is more likely to adopt the recommended behavior to either prevent or treat the illness. Key factors that influence health behaviors for HBM include: an individual's perceived threat to sickness or disease (perceived susceptibility), belief of consequence (perceived severity), potential positive benefits of action (perceived benefits), perceived barriers to action, exposure to factors that prompt action (cues to action), and confidence in ability to succeed (self-efficacy). Note: The Health Belief Model has been extended to address many diseases and has helped researchers and public officials craft messages to improve the health and wellness of communities around the world.

 Theory #2: Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB): According to TPB, an individual’s
intention to enact a behavior is the paramount factor in predicting whether that individual will or will not carry out the behavior. In addition to intention, the theory predicts that people will “act on their intentions when they have the necessary skills for performing the behavior” (Thompson, 2014). In simple terms, if an individual has the intention and the skill to do something, they will do it. Note: The Theory of Planned Behavior has helped researchers inform public health experts and doctors to craft messages, both community-wide and interpersonally, that are skills-based and with the assumption that an individual has the intention to engage in the desired health-behavior.

 Theory #3: Social Cognitive Theory (SCT): According to SCT, learning is not an
exclusively internalized process but rather a function of socialization. In other words, SCT proposes that human beings learn a behavior through observing others perform that behavior. Additionally, after observing someone else perform a behavior, an individual is more likely to recall past experiences or memories of that behavior and use these recollections to steer future interactions. Note: Social Cognitive Theory focuses on the fact individuals are influenced by their environment, thereby making social interactions, past experiences, and the media significant factors in an individual’s behavioral development.

Reflection Paper #1 Points to Ponder
 (Refer to the Requirements)
Reflection Paper #1 Focus Points for Success:
Keep in mind, this is not an assignment where you repeat/regurgitate everything that other authors publish. I am looking for advancement in YOUR professional perspective, ah-ha moments of learning, and shared learning opportunities for others. Professional growth requires YOU to open your thoughts to new information, expand your knowledge, and incorporate a learning platform for future leadership. Allow yourself to embrace the information and use it as a tool for supporting others in their growth within the health care industry.
 Review and adhere to the requirements.
 References are required. Additional resources beyond the article(s) provided must be cited.

This includes website/handouts/articles etc…
 Do not add references to fill in the words of the 3 pages. Technically, References are on a
separate page at the end of the 3 required pages.
 Do not increase margins and start in the middle of the first page. This is not looked at
favorably and will result in deducted points.
 Check grammar, typos etc… before submitting.
 Plagiarism will not be tolerated and results in 0 points for the assignment.

I am hoping for greatness in YOUR submissions.
Let YOUR passion regarding the choice of content area be apparent.
Approach the assignment with a goal of “WOWing” the reader!