Health Psychology, 2nd Edition

HEALTH COGNITIONS AND BEHAVIOURS 155

a finite set of variables to be considered in any behavioral analysis’ (Fishbein et al.,
2001: 3). They identified eight variables, which, they argued, should account for
most of the variance in any (deliberative) behaviour. These were organized into two
groups. First were those variables that were viewed as necessary and sufficient
determinants of behaviour. Thus, for behaviour to occur an individual must (1) have
a strong intention; (2) have the necessary skills to perform the behaviour; and (3)
experience an absence of environmental constraints that could prevent behaviour.
The second group of variables were seen to primarily influence intention, although
it was noted that some of the variables may also have a direct effect on behaviour.
Thus, a strong intention is likely to occur when an individual (4) perceives the
advantages (or benefits) of performing the behaviour to outweigh the perceived
disadvantages (or costs); (5) perceives the social (normative) pressure to perform

the behaviour to be greater than that not to perform the behaviour; (6) believes that
the behaviour is consistent with his or her self-image; (7) anticipates the emotional
reaction to performing the behaviour to be more positive than negative; and (8) has
high levels of self-efficacy. Figure 7.7 illustrates this integrated model.
If you were trying to identify the determinants of condom use, which cognitions
would you focus on? Would this be any different if you were trying to predict
smoking cessation?

Environmental

constraints

Advantages/

disadvantages

Social pressure

Self-discrepancy

Intention

Self-efficacy

Emotional reaction

Skills

Behaviour

FIGURE 7.7The ‘major theorists’ integrated social cognition model.