Training: Changing Public Behavior 2

The workshop facilitators reviewed some Behavior Change Theories that I have heard about but didn’t know the details. Thought I would sum them up below, as stated in the training.

- Theory of reasoned action – If a person intends to do a behavior they are likely to do it, depending on beliefs about the consequences of performing the behavior and perceived expectations by relevant individuals or groups. Kind of common sense stuff.

- Social cognitive theory and self-efficacy – Human functioning is viewed as the product of a dynamic interplay of personal, behavioral and environmental influences. People’s level of motivation, emotional states and actions are based more on what they believe than what is objectively true. People need to believe that their actions can produce the outcomes they desire. Self-efficacy beliefs are formed through an experience, modeling and social persuasion. Kind-of like the "power of positive thinking". Our minds are powerful things.

- Theory of planned behavior – Behavioral intention cannot be the exclusive determinant of behavior, where an individual’s control over the behavior is incomplete. Willingness and ability to change is the greatest factor. Think will power.

More theories summed up tomorrow.