Self Efficacy Theory In Nursing Education Understanding models and theories that guide health behaviors is crucial in nursing education. Among these, the Health Promotion Model (HPM) and Self-Efficacy Theory stand out for their contributions to health promotion and behavior change. This overview provides an in-depth look at these theories and their applications in nursing education.
Health Promotion Model (Revised)
What is the Health Promotion Model (Revised)?
The Health Promotion Model (HPM), developed by Nola Pender in 1987 and revised in 1996, focuses on promoting health rather than merely preventing disease. It aims to help nurses understand and influence the major determinants of health behaviors, providing a foundation for behavioral counseling aimed at fostering healthy lifestyles (Pender, 1996; Pender, Murdaugh, & Parsons, 2002). The model emphasizes the actualization of health potential and well-being through approach behaviors rather than avoidance of disease.
Sequence of Major Components of the Health Promotion Model
- Individual Characteristics and Experiences: This includes prior related behavior and personal factors that shape an individual’s health behavior.
- Behavior-Specific Cognitions and Affect: This encompasses:
- Perceived Benefits of Action: Beliefs about the advantages of engaging in health-promoting behaviors.
- Perceived Barriers to Action: Obstacles that may prevent the adoption of these behaviors.
- Perceived Self-Efficacy: Confidence in one’s ability to successfully perform the behavior.
- Activity-Related Affect: Emotional responses related to the behavior.
- Interpersonal Influences: The impact of social interactions on behavior.
- Situational Influences: Environmental or situational factors affecting behavior.
- Behavioral Outcomes: The model predicts that health-promoting behavior is influenced by commitment to a plan of action and immediate competing demands and preferences.
Comparison with the Health Belief Model
While both the HPM and Health Belief Model (HBM) focus on factors influencing health behaviors, they differ in scope. The HBM primarily targets preventive health behaviors, while the HPM is more concerned with engaging in health-promoting activities. Research supports the HPM’s effectiveness in understanding health behaviors across various populations (Buijs et al., 2003; Ho et al., 2010; Rothman et al., 2005).
Key Findings
Studies have shown that perceived self-efficacy, a core component of the HPM, is crucial in engaging in health-promoting behaviors and improving health-related quality of life (Ho et al., 2010; Srof & Velsor-Friedrich, 2006). This underscores the model’s relevance in nursing education for developing effective health promotion strategies.
Self-Efficacy Theory
What is Self-Efficacy Theory?
Self-Efficacy Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, is rooted in social cognitive theory and focuses on individuals’ beliefs in their capabilities to perform specific behaviors (Bandura, 1977, 1986, 1997). This theory suggests that belief in one’s ability to execute a behavior influences their likelihood of engaging in that behavior and achieving desired outcomes.
Principles of Self-Efficacy Theory
- Performance Accomplishments: Successes in similar past behaviors enhance confidence in performing the behavior again.
- Vicarious Experiences: Observing others succeed at the behavior increases belief in one’s own abilities.
- Verbal Persuasion: Encouragement from others can boost confidence in one’s capabilities.
- Emotional Arousal: Emotional responses and stress levels can impact self-efficacy, with lower stress leading to higher confidence.
Bandura (1986, 1997) emphasizes that previous performance accomplishments are the most influential source of self-efficacy information. Methods such as modeling, self-instruction, and relaxation techniques can enhance self-efficacy beliefs.
Applications and Evidence
Self-efficacy has been shown to be a strong predictor of health behaviors. For example, it has been linked to physical activity (Kaewmukdam et al., 2006), cervical cancer screening (Tung et al., 2010), and self-care behaviors in older adults (Callaghan, 2005). It is also associated with healthy eating habits (Strachan & Brawley, 2009) and self-management of chronic conditions (Jang & Yoo, 2012; Connolly et al., 2014).
In nursing education, self-efficacy theory aids in developing educational programs that enhance students’ and patients’ confidence in their ability to perform health-promoting behaviors. Techniques such as modeling, demonstration, and verbal reinforcement align with self-efficacy induction methods.
Protection Motivation Theory in Nursing Education
What is Protection Motivation Theory?
Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), developed by Prentice-Dunn and Rogers (1986), explains how individuals’ perceptions of threats and their ability to cope influence their health behaviors. This theory integrates aspects of threat and coping appraisals to understand why people engage in or avoid certain health behaviors.
Components of Protection Motivation Theory
- Threat Appraisal: Evaluating the severity and vulnerability associated with a health threat.
- Coping Appraisal: Assessing the effectiveness of the recommended preventive actions and one’s ability to perform them.
Applications in Nursing Education
PMT has been applied to various health behaviors, including drug abuse, smoking, and sun protection (Wu et al., 2005; Prentice-Dunn et al., 2009). It offers a framework for designing educational programs that address perceived threats and coping strategies, thereby motivating individuals to engage in protective behaviors.
Key Findings
Research has shown that PMT can be effective in predicting health behaviors and designing interventions (MacDonell et al., 2013). For instance, PMT has been used to enhance sun protection intentions and address risky behaviors in adolescents.
Conclusion
The Health Promotion Model and Self-Efficacy Theory offer valuable frameworks for understanding and influencing health behaviors in nursing education. By integrating these models, educators can develop more effective strategies for promoting health and managing behaviors. Protection Motivation Theory further complements these approaches by focusing on threat and coping appraisals, providing a comprehensive understanding of health behavior change. Through these theories, nurses can enhance their educational practices and contribute to better health outcomes for their patients.