Health Behavior Change ─ Theories, Methods and Interventions

We live in an era where people live longer but also suffer from more chronic illnesses. Yet these two issues present not only significant challenges to healthcare professionals, but also governments seeking cost-effective ways to manage their health and social care budgets. Encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles is, therefore, a fundamental issue for both those at risk as well as for society as a whole.

This is the first textbook to present not only the theoretical foundations that explain health behavior change but also the methods by which change can be assessed and the practical contexts where theory and method can be applied. Covering behavior change aimed at improving health as well as preventing disease, it places behavior change firmly in context with the social and demographic changes which make it such an urgent issue, from the rise in levels of obesity to an aging population. The book considers the role of individuals but also other important influences on health behavior, such as the environment in which people live, public policy and technological changes.

Fostering a critical perspective, and including case studies in each chapter with key issues highlighted throughout, the book provides a complete understanding of health behavior change, from its theoretical building blocks to the practical challenges of developing and testing an intervention. It will be essential reading for students and researchers of health psychology, public health and social work, as well as any professional working in this important area.

Andrew Prestwich is Senior Lecturer in Health & Social Psychology at the University of Leeds, UK. His research examines the impact of theory-based interventions on health behaviour. He has previously held posts at the University of Oxford, University of Essex and University College London.

Jared Kenworthy is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Arlington, USA. His research concerns social categorization and social influence in group processes, as well as intergroup relations and prejudice reduction. Before his post at the University of Texas at Arlington, he held a post-doctoral research position at the University of Oxford, and studied the development of inter-community trust in Northern Ireland.

Mark Conner is Professor of Applied Social Psychology at the University of Leeds. His research focuses on understanding and changing health behaviors with a focus on the role of affect, attitudes and intentions. He has published over 200 papers and edited a number of books in this area.