Explaining Preventive Behavior

Abstract

The development andproposed evaluation of a Preventive Behavior Model is discussed. In addition to variables hypothesized by the Health Belief Model (i.e., perceptions of efficacy, susceptibility, barriers to action, personal control over health, and overall value placed upon health), the Preventive Behavior Model posits a number of new behavioral determinants including life satisfaction, predisposingpersonality, and the desirability of actionfor its own sake. Empirical evidence for these constructs is discussed where available and a proposed test of the model is described.