Health Behavior Theory and cumulative knowledge regarding health behaviors: are we moving in the right direction?

2005/01/04 by Seth M. Noar, Rick S. Zimmerman · 3 citations
Psychology · Environmental Science · #Behavioral Health and Interventions #Mental Health Research Topics #Environmental Education and Sustainability

paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/her/cyg113

openalex publication_date 2005/01/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

Although research on Health Behavior Theory (HBT) is being conducted at a rapid pace, the extent to which the field is truly moving forward in understanding health behavior has been questioned. This issue is examined in the current article. First, we discuss the problems within the HBT literature. Second, we discuss the proliferation of HBT and why theory comparison is essential to this area of research. Finally, we reflect on ways that the field might move forward by suggesting a new agenda for HBT research. It is argued that increased recognition of the similarity of health behavior constructs as well as increased empirical comparisons of theories are essential for true scientific progress in this line of inquiry.

Citations

• Prediction of goal-directed behavior: Attitudes, intentions, and perceived behavioral control
• Some problems with social cognition models: A pragmatic and conceptual analysis.
• Theories of reasoned action and planned behavior as models of condom use: A meta-analysis.
• The theory of planned behavior
• A Comparison of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Theory of Reasoned Action

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