Reflective Essay: Using The Health Belief Model

I used the Health Belief Model. I thought this model was most appropriate for me due to the fact that I feel like I had to look at my behavior on a more internal and personal level in order for me to want to really change. The HBM allows a person to be more likely to take action and prevent an illness depending on their vulnerability, the consequences of the condition, the effectiveness of the new behavior in prevention and the benefits of reducing the threat (Redding et al, 2000). By me using this model, I evaluated my chances of being unhealthy and developing complicated health conditions later on in life (perceived susceptibility) if I did not make a change. I believed that I had a high chance of developing other medical conditions if I didn’t take action soon. Prevention is the first important step in diminishing the chances of anything serious from …show more content…
It helped that I did post it notes of positive comments to boost my self-esteem. Also, hanging out with energetic and happy friends helped me to keep my mind occupied and not think about anything negative. It truly helped me to simply walk away from my antecedents when I didn’t have to be with them because I avoiding getting involved in negative thinking. Self-statements and positive remarks from my husband and me saying them to myself encouraged me in keeping consistent with this behavioral change. Also, the behavioral contract I did with my classmate Thelma Pombo kept me accountable in this change process. It helped me that every day we had class together she would ask me how my day was going after my nutrition class. This was a reminder for me to think positive and to not worry about what had just happened in my nutrition class. Also, hearing people compliment me that I looked happier and that my face looked like if it was glowing reassured me that indeed this change was working. These beautiful comments motivated me to keep on going and to not