Health Beliefs Model

The Health Beliefs Model is a psychological framework that explains why people decide to take health actions. It suggests that individuals’ choices about health behaviors are influenced by their perceptions of personal risk, the severity of a health issue, the benefits of taking action, and the barriers they might face. For example, someone might decide to get vaccinated if they believe they’re at risk of illness, that the illness is serious, and that vaccination benefits outweigh any inconvenience. Understanding these beliefs helps healthcare providers encourage healthier behaviors by addressing concerns and motivating action.