A. Family Behavior and States of Health
Patterns of family healthcare utilization vary significantly from unit to unit,
due to conceptual differences of health and illness and health beliefs
among members of families.
a. Differences in Conceptualization of Health and Illness
Concepts of health and illness in families are formulated by culture,
regions, social class, and gender. It is imperative that the family nurse
clarifies a family’s definition of health and illness to assist families with
setting realistic goals that the family nurse can incorporate into care plans.
b. Health Beliefs About Health Care Seeking and Health Action
Family health beliefs influence the care that families seek and promote
within. Family members not ready to make changes to improve health will
not embark on care. In addition, there are other variables that influence
health promotion and prevention to consider.
Health Belief Model
The Health Belief Model is a comprehensive model that explores behavior
for disease prevention and illness detection. This model is applied in
research to studies on why people do not engage in activities that promote
health and well-being. The model’s development has been supported by
Levin’s theories on stress. The individual determines the outcomes of
perceived stress not the physical environment. Individuals seek to avoid
negatively valued aspects of life and avoid stress. The goal is to have a
positive or neutral balence. The individual determines the seriousness of a
disease based on perceived feelings and motivation to attain wellness.
Health Promotion Model
Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model was expanded from the original
Health Belief Model. The main concept in this newly enhanced model is
that particular cognitions are motivated by specific behaviors. Nursing
interventions can be centered on these 6 behavior-specific cognitions:
1. Perceived benefits of action
2. Perceived barriers to action
3. Perceived self-efficacy
4. Activity-related affect
Patterns of family healthcare utilization vary significantly from unit to unit,
due to conceptual differences of health and illness and health beliefs
among members of families.
a. Differences in Conceptualization of Health and Illness
Concepts of health and illness in families are formulated by culture,
regions, social class, and gender. It is imperative that the family nurse
clarifies a family’s definition of health and illness to assist families with
setting realistic goals that the family nurse can incorporate into care plans.
b. Health Beliefs About Health Care Seeking and Health Action
Family health beliefs influence the care that families seek and promote
within. Family members not ready to make changes to improve health will
not embark on care. In addition, there are other variables that influence
health promotion and prevention to consider.
Health Belief Model
The Health Belief Model is a comprehensive model that explores behavior
for disease prevention and illness detection. This model is applied in
research to studies on why people do not engage in activities that promote
health and well-being. The model’s development has been supported by
Levin’s theories on stress. The individual determines the outcomes of
perceived stress not the physical environment. Individuals seek to avoid
negatively valued aspects of life and avoid stress. The goal is to have a
positive or neutral balence. The individual determines the seriousness of a
disease based on perceived feelings and motivation to attain wellness.
Health Promotion Model
Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model was expanded from the original
Health Belief Model. The main concept in this newly enhanced model is
that particular cognitions are motivated by specific behaviors. Nursing
interventions can be centered on these 6 behavior-specific cognitions:
1. Perceived benefits of action
2. Perceived barriers to action
3. Perceived self-efficacy
4. Activity-related affect
