Predicting Treatment Adherence: an Overview of Theoretical Models

Abstract

This chapter outlines the salient features of these approaches and provides examples of where they have been applied to adherence. Developments in health and social psychology have contributed several theoretical frameworks or models for explaining variations in health-related behaviours which can be applied to treatment adherence. Social Cognition Models (SCMs) are theoretical approaches to understanding health-related behaviour. The health belief model was developed to explain why people failed to take up disease prevention measures or screening tests before the onset of symptoms. The Transtheoretical Model or Stages of Change Model suggests that the maintenance of health behaviour occurs in five progressive stages of change: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. In common with SCMs, the Self-Regulatory Model attempts to focus on individual’s cognitive representation of the health threat as the key factor determining variations in behaviour. The fact that cognitions and behaviour change over time has major implications for the validity of SCMs.

Topics & Concepts