What Is the Health Belief Model? An Updated Look

Early detection through regular screening is key to preventing and treating many diseases.
Despite this fact, participation in screening tends to be low. In Australia, only 40% of adults opted for screening for bowel cancer in 2021, 3% lower than the previous year (AIHW, 2023).
Why do people decide not to participate in a low-risk activity, like screening? Or visit the dentist regularly, or quit smoking? Why do we choose to ignore these necessary health steps?
Why and how people view the risks of disease, and the subsequent likelihood of people adjusting their behaviors, can be better understood with the Health Belief Model.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free. These science-based exercises will explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.